Intact Amazon Forests on Indigenous Lands Offer Protection Against Diseases, New Study Shows

A recent scientific study highlights the vital role that well-preserved Amazon rainforest areas on Indigenous territories play in safeguarding human health. The research, published in Communications Earth & Environment, indicates that regions maintained by Indigenous communities exhibit a reduction in certain diseases, emphasizing the importance of forest conservation and Indigenous land rights.

Every instance of deforestation, forest burning, or environmental degradation in the Amazon can adversely affect public health, leading to increased rates of respiratory illnesses like asthma caused by air pollution from fires, and the spread of zoonotic diseases such as malaria originating from disrupted ecosystems. Indigenous peoples have long prioritized the protection of their lands as a means of ensuring community health, a perspective reinforced by this new evidence.

The study analyzed data from countries bordering and within the Amazon, examining forest quality, legal recognition of Indigenous territories, and disease incidence rates. The findings suggest that when Indigenous land management is supported, there are tangible health benefits, including lower levels of disease prevalence.

Experts outside the study, including Kristie Ebi of the University of Washington, praised the research’s comprehensive approach. She noted that understanding the complex relationship between environmental preservation and health is crucial and that this model could be applied globally to other regions.

However, some researchers, like Magdalena Hurtado from Arizona State University, urged caution. She pointed out that while the correlations are promising, the data's observational nature requires careful interpretation, and more precise methodologies may alter the observed patterns.

The findings align with broader climate and conservation goals, reinforcing the idea that Indigenous stewardship of forests is essential not only for carbon sequestration but also for human health. Indigenous leaders, such as Francisco Hernández Cayetano from FECOTYBA, emphasize that recognizing Indigenous land rights enhances these health benefits and supports ecosystem resilience.

The study underscores that balanced landscapes—those that provide economic benefits without compromising health—are vital. As climate negotiations occur in Belem, Brazil, the role of Indigenous communities in sustainable environmental management is expected to gain prominence. This research advocates for policies that empower Indigenous peoples, protect their territories, and promote global health and climate stability.

For further insights, the study is available in Communications Earth & Environment (2025).