AI is a double-edged sword for Indigenous land protection, UN experts warn
UN experts warn that while AI helps Indigenous communities protect their lands, its data centers pose new threats by requiring resources often extracted from Indigenous territories. Indigenous leaders are exploring ways to harness AI's benefits while mitigating its negative impacts.
Artificial intelligence is aiding Indigenous communities in detecting illegal logging and tracking wildfires, but its data centers are driving new threats by requiring water, energy, and critical minerals often extracted from Indigenous territories. A study by Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim highlighted the possibilities and challenges AI presents for environmental protection. AI can help Indigenous communities monitor biodiversity and detect deforestation through satellite imagery and sensors. In Brazil's Acre state, Indigenous agroforestry agents are using AI to combat deforestation. Inuit communities in Nunavut are blending traditional knowledge with predictive AI models to locate new fishing locations, while Indigenous pastoralists in Chad are using AI to anticipate severe droughts.
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