A 2024 study published in *Nature Sustainability* reveals that natural areas owned by indigenous peoples have, on average, 30% fewer invasive species compared to non-indigenous lands. This finding underscores the significant role of traditional ecological knowledge in managing biodiversity. Lead author Laura Meyerson, a professor at the University of Rhode Island, emphasizes the need for collaboration with indigenous communities to co-develop knowledge that benefits everyone. The study also highlights how indigenous cultural expressions, such as poetry, convey deep understanding of ecological changes. For instance, a poem from Ethiopia discusses the negative impacts of the invasive shrub Prosopis juliflora, which was introduced to combat desertification but has since harmed native flora and fauna. The researchers conclude that protecting the rights of indigenous peoples is crucial for biodiversity preservation.