UN 
At the 2026 United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) held in New York, experts underscored the complex role of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting Indigenous stewardship of lands and natural resources. While AI offers transformative opportunities to enhance conservation efforts and climate adaptation strategies, it also poses significant risks that could undermine Indigenous rights and knowledge systems.
AI technologies can facilitate real-time monitoring of environmental changes, improve resource management, and strengthen Indigenous communities’ ability to protect their territories against illegal logging, mining, and encroachment. By analyzing satellite imagery, climate data, and biodiversity information, AI tools can empower Indigenous peoples with actionable insights crucial for sustainable land use.
However, U.N. specialists cautioned that without careful implementation, AI could exacerbate existing inequalities. Data sovereignty remains a critical concern, as Indigenous knowledge and data may be misappropriated or exploited without adequate consent and control. The experts stressed that AI development must prioritize Indigenous leadership, respect traditional knowledge, and include robust ethical safeguards to prevent marginalization.
The forum called for international cooperation to establish frameworks that balance technological innovation with Indigenous rights protection. Integrating AI into conservation efforts should not come at the expense of community autonomy or cultural heritage. Participants emphasized that Indigenous peoples must be active partners in AI governance, ensuring that these tools serve as instruments of empowerment rather than further colonization.
As climate change accelerates environmental threats, the intersection of AI and Indigenous stewardship represents both a promising frontier and a cautionary tale. The outcomes of this dialogue at UNPFII will influence global policies aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action, life on land, and reduced inequalities.
