18 August 2026

How Indigenous Peoples are using technology to protect forests

Indigenous Peoples are amongst the world’s most effective guardians of forests.

By combining generations of knowledge with tools such as drones, camera traps, GPS and solar technology, Indigenous communities are finding powerful ways to strengthen the protection of their forests, territories and ways of life.

Through our partnerships, Size of Wales is proud to support Indigenous Peoples and local communities who are leading this work every day.

Here are examples of Indigenous leadership, knowledge and innovation in action; protecting forests, strengthening communities and safeguarding these vital ecosystems for future generations.

Technology and Indigenous Wisdom

Credit: Evilene Paixão / HAY

Technology and Indigenous wisdom working together: our Indigenous and local community partners are leading the way in protecting forests, territories and future generations.

Monitoring Forest Threats

Credit: Pepe Torres / FENAMAD

Indigenous Peoples are the best guardians of the world’s forests. Today, new technologies are used to complement the wisdom and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples.

Solar-powered transport

Credit: Celso Petsain / GTANW

The Wampís Nation, with support from Size of Wales, Honnold Foundation and the Welsh Government, brought solar power to their territory. Boats are their main transport. Solar boats cut costly, polluting fuel and create engineering jobs.

Wampís solar technicians

Credit: Elmo Antonio / GTANW

“The solar boat technicians from the Wampís Nation are trained to fix and upgrade the boats that give hundreds of people easier access to education, community, healthcare, and better food.”

Drones protecting forests

Credit: Emmily Melo / HAY

Trained by the Hutukara Yanomami Association, with support from CAFOD, young Yanomami and Ye’kuana people use drones to safely track illegal mining and deforestation. Footage powers advocacy and court cases.

Monitoring from above

Credit: Evilene Paixão / HAY

“When there are drones, we can see how the miners have been entering our land and our community. It is very important to keep the community safe and make sure everyone stays well.” – Young Yanomami participant

Mapping forest territories

Credit: Daniela Velit / RFUK

ForestLink and ForestEye, by Rainforest Foundation UK, help Indigenous Peoples map their territories. In Peru’s Madre de Dios, FENAMAD and RFUK have rolled it out to over 30 communities so far, powering deforestation reports and farming co-ops.

Community forest monitoring

Credit: Pepe Torres / FENAMAD

In 2025, trained community monitors reported 38 instances of illegal logging, illegal mining and territorial encroachment. These alerts were shared with authorities. In the last year, five illegal mining operations were carried out and machinery was destroyed.