In conservation, data is our foundation, guiding decisions and policies. Recently, a statistics often cited at global conferences - that Indigenous peoples protect 80 per cent of the world’s remaining biodiversity - was found to be baseless. After rigorous research, scientists discovered that this figure had no factual support, despite being used in over 180 scientific publications and countless reports. This misinformation not only undermines the credibility of conservation efforts but also risks overshadowing the real and critical role Indigenous communities play in preserving ecosystems.
So, how did such a statistics gain so much traction? Part of the issue lies in how we understand and measure biodiversity. Biodiversity is a complex, multifaceted concept that is difficult to define and quantify. Millions of species remain unclassified, and the interactions within ecosystems are far from fully understood. It’s easy to see how a simple, seemingly powerful statistic might be appealing in a world where numbers drive policy. But when those numbers are wrong, they can do more harm than good.
The importance of solid, reliable research cannot be overstated. As we face the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, our strategies must be grounded in facts, not wishful thinking. Misleading data, no matter how well-intentioned, risks discrediting genuine efforts and can be exploited by those who oppose environmental progress. In the case of Indigenous-led conservation, it’s vital that we support their efforts with accuracy and respect for their knowledge.
This brings us to the role of Indigenous peoples, particularly in our region. While the 80 per cent claim may have been debunked, there is no question that Indigenous communities, including Oman’s bedouins among other indigenous communities, are vital stewards of biodiversity. Research conducted on the Arabian Peninsula reveals how we have managed to thrive in some of the world’s harshest environments, using sophisticated knowledge systems that prioritise sustainability. For instance, we have long practiced water conservation through the aflaj systems, a tradition that has shaped Oman’s landscape for over 2,000 years.
We have also witnessed how scholars turned their attention to utilising Indigenous knowledge to help tackle modern biodiversity challenges. Studies on the Arabian Oryx, for example, highlight how collaboration with local Bedouin communities was essential to the species' successful reintroduction after it was declared extinct in the wild. These efforts underscore the critical role that Indigenous people play, not just in maintaining biodiversity, but in reviving it.
This revival of indigenous practices is not limited to conservation alone. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in traditional architecture across Oman and the Gulf, where modern builders are increasingly turning to age-old techniques to design more sustainable homes. Thick stone walls, wind towers, and natural ventilation methods, long forgotten in the race towards modernity, are now being revisited as viable solutions to reduce energy consumption and create eco-friendly homes.
For years, we disregarded these traditional methods in favour of more modern, energy-intensive designs. But as climate change continues to challenge us, we are beginning to recognise the wisdom in these ancient practices. Oman’s architectural heritage, with its natural cooling systems and resource-efficient designs, holds valuable lessons for building a sustainable future.
In a world grappling with biodiversity loss, we must champion our local knowledge and capitalise on it but do so with the right data. The fact that a statistic was debunked does not diminish the essential role these communities play. Instead, it calls for even more rigorous research to support their conservation work. As we in the region face increasing environmental challenges, learning from and partnering with our local knowledge custodian may be one of our most effective tools for preserving biodiversity for future generations.
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