Avoided Deforestation (REDD) and Indigenous ... - Amazon Fund

The Amazon River accounts for approximately 20% of the total volume of freshwater which
reaches seas and oceans. In addition to water from melting Andes glaciers, an important part of
its sources are located in northern frontier and central plateau regions. The (substantial) presence
of indigenous lands in these regions and along the main headwaters, as well as corridors and
mosaics, make them fundamental producers-consumers of these water resources. Indigenous
lands and conservation units cover more than 40% of the total Brazilian Legal Amazon area.
In addition to production and conservation of water, indigenous lands play a relevant
role in conserving the biodiversity of the Amazon. There are relevant overlaps among indigenous
lands, national parks, and biological reserves, in which areas with endemic species are located.
Indigenous lands are also present in large numbers in areas that connect the Amazon and cerrado.
Traditional knowledge about biodiversity is a fundamental source for scientific research. The
immense cultural diversity in the Amazon is directly related to its immense biological diversity.
In sum, indigenous territories cannot be considered mere carbon stocks. They are
the spaces in which these peoples will develop their future livelihoods and REDD projects or
payment for environmental services, which require long-term conservation of these climate and
environmental services, should never overlook this fact.
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18 Av o i d e d d e f o re s t A t i o n (redd) A n d i n d i g e n o u s p e o p l e s: experiences, chAllenges A n d o p p o r t u n i t i e s in t h e A m A zo n c o n t e x t