Territories of life as key to global environmental sustainability

Territories and areas that Indigenous peoples local communities govern, manage, conserve (hereafter territories of life) are increasingly recognized by scientists, international agencies, nongovernmental, grassroot organizations, as central to the future a healthy sustainable planet. Hundreds thousands such social–ecological systems exist worldwide, covering millions square kilometers land seascapes on all five continents, contributing conservation use significant proportion world’s biodiversity. Nevertheless, these facing many threats often have little-to-no formal recognition or support from nation-state governments. In order address this growing need, review provides most complete, recent, updated global overview life. The advocates for holistic approach life identifies key opportunities researchers favor action- policy-oriented research in vital sustainability.