Patagonia
 
For centuries, the Kawésqar people have navigated and lived within the intricate waterways of Patagonia, sustaining their way of life in harmony with the land and sea. Yet, modern conservation efforts often frame these landscapes as pristine and untouched wilderness—an idea that excludes the very communities who have inhabited and stewarded these territories for millennia.
 
In this episode, we dive into the concept of green colonialism, a practice where conservation policies and environmental projects, rather than protecting nature alongside Indigenous peoples, instead impose restrictions, displace communities, and erase traditional land stewardship. From the creation of national parks that deny Indigenous land rights to foreign-funded conservation initiatives that override local governance, we examine how these efforts, despite their environmental goals, can perpetuate colonial structures and marginalize Indigenous voices. We also highlight key examples, such as the designation of large protected areas in Patagonia without consultation with Indigenous groups, limiting their ability to access ancestral lands for traditional practices. We ask: Who gets to define conservation? Why are Indigenous peoples often excluded from decisions about their own lands? And how can conservation be truly just and inclusive?