Daily Current Affairs 12-January-2026

A recent study published in the journal Nature has highlighted that many conservation policies in the Global South continue to violate the rights of indigenous and local communities.

Background of the Issue

• Conservation policies in developing countries have traditionally focused on protecting forests and wildlife, often ignoring the social and economic needs of local people.
• These policies were shaped during the colonial period, when European rulers believed that nature should exist without human presence.
• As a result, many indigenous communities were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands.
• Even today, several conservation programmes continue to follow this colonial mindset.
• Large international organisations dominate decision-making, while local voices remain marginalised.

Meaning of ‘Othering’ in Conservation

• Othering refers to treating certain groups as inferior, different, or less important.
• In conservation, it means viewing indigenous people as threats to nature rather than as protectors of ecosystems.
• This creates an “us versus them” divide between authorities and communities.
• The problem is more severe in the Global South due to weak governance and poor legal safeguards.

Colonial Roots of Conservation

• Modern conservation began during European colonial rule in the 19th century.
• Indigenous communities were portrayed as uncivilised and incapable of managing natural resources.
• This perception justified their forced removal from forests and fertile lands.
• Colonial governments established national parks where local people were banned.
• These outdated ideas still influence present-day conservation policies.

Indian Context

• British colonial rule introduced forest laws that restricted traditional access to land and resources.
• Many tribal and forest-dwelling communities were displaced from their ancestral territories.
• Even today, they face legal action for traditional activities such as collecting honey, firewood, or medicinal plants.
• Conservation debates in India are largely controlled by the urban elite.
• There is often more sympathy for wildlife than for rural communities affected by animal attacks.
• Compensation mechanisms are usually delayed, inadequate, or inaccessible.

Problems with Current Conservation Models

• Humans are treated as enemies of nature instead of partners in conservation.
• Profit-driven approaches, such as luxury ecotourism, are prioritised.
• Traditional livelihoods are criminalised without providing alternatives.
• Indigenous knowledge systems are ignored.
• Militarisation of forests leads to frequent human rights violations.

Need for a Paradigm Shift

• Conservation must move from a fortress-style model to a people-centred approach.
• Forests should be seen as shared landscapes, not empty wilderness zones.
• Policies must balance biodiversity protection with human welfare.
• Cultural identity, dignity, and livelihood security must be respected.

Role of Indigenous and Local Communities

• Indigenous communities have lived in harmony with nature for centuries.
• Their lifestyles are often low-impact, sustainable, and climate-resilient.
• Studies show that biodiversity performs better where communities have ownership rights.
• When people are actively involved, they protect ecosystems more effectively.
• Exclusion leads to social injustice and ecological failure.

Recommendations by Researchers

• Conservation policies must actively protect human rights.
• Communities should have real decision-making authority, not symbolic roles.
• Colonial, racial, and elitist biases must be challenged.
• Two-way learning between scientists and local communities should be promoted.
• Education, awareness, and capacity-building must be strengthened.

Conclusion

Protecting nature and protecting people must go hand in hand. An inclusive, just, and rights-based conservation model is the only sustainable way forward.