INDIGENOUS &
TRADITIONAL BELIEFS
OVERVIEW
In many of the countries where biodiversity is threatened, mainstream religion and traditional and Indigenous belief systems often intersect. Traditional religions, also called Indigenous religions, refer to beliefs practiced by people native to that particular geographic area. In many settings, traditional belief systems are often syncretised and integrated with mainstream religion.
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NB this page is still under construction
'As indigenous peoples, we say we are not different than the rest of the species,
we are only one species of nature.'
– Hindou Ibrahim, SDG Advocate and Indigenous Rights Activist, 2022
There exists an abundance of information on traditional/Indigenous belief systems. ​Indigenous peoples have been stewards of their land and wildlife for time immemorial. Indigenous peoples' land, while only 22% of the Earth's land surface, contains 80% of the world's biodiversity, and at least 40% of protected areas worldwide.
While there is a huge diversity in Indigenous and traditional beliefs and approaches to interpreting life and the world across geographies, one shared characteristic is the belief that more-than humans (including spirits and ancestors) permeate and animate nature.
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Find out more about WWF’s work with Indigenous Peoples.
TRADITIONAL & INDIGENOUS BELIEF SYSTEMS
COMMON GROUND
Indigenous beliefs & values share much common ground with conservation.
NB this page is still under construction
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Groups working on indigenous/traditional beliefs and conservation
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Key guidance documents
Interested in getting a collaboration or a project going with a faith community but not sure where to start? Check out these key guidance documents.
