A new study published in Communications Earth & Environment has found that Indigenous-managed areas in the Amazon rainforest help reduce diseases. The research analyzed health data from countries across the Amazon basin and showed that respiratory problems, such as asthma, and diseases spread by insects, like malaria, were less common in places where Indigenous groups had legal land rights and maintained forest quality. The findings come ahead of the United Nations climate summit in Belem, Brazil, in November. Experts said the study underlines the importance of including Indigenous leadership in climate talks, as the Amazon is not only an important environmental resource but also supports public health. Researchers noted that the results highlight the close link between protecting nature and human well-being, a principle often stressed in Indigenous knowledge.

The study used advanced methods to measure how forest cover and legal recognition of land affect health outcomes. Results showed that the health benefits were strongest when forest cover was above 40 percent, though researchers warned that correlation does not always prove direct cause. Still, climate and health scientists called the study an important step in understanding how ecosystems influence disease. Experts added that the findings could encourage new research in other regions and influence global policies on sustainable development. The study concluded that Indigenous participation is vital to protecting biodiversity, reducing disease risks, and maintaining the connection between people and the environment.