Indigenous Peoples

( Article Type: Explanation )

Indigenous peoples are people who have lived a traditional way of life for many centuries and who still retain close ties with the land.

The San (or Bushmen) in South Africa are an example of indigenous peoples. A

genda 21 says that governments should allow indigenous peoples to take an active part in all political decisions affecting them and their land.

In the past, indigenous peoples were denied these rights and the land taken from them.

Indigenous peoples like the San have successfully managed to look after the land they used for many centuries in a sustainable way. Their knowledge of natural processes is irreplaceable and has a crucial contribution to future management of our environment.