ESP-3996

Published

2026-01-23

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Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026): Publishing

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Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Naseer Sabbar Lafta, Saud Suwaid Armoosh, Ali Mousa Hussein Mezian, Nazar F. Hassan, Talib Kalefa Hasan

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How to Cite

Naseer Sabbar Lafta, Saud Suwaid Armoosh, Ali Mousa Hussein Mezian, Nazar F. Hassan, & Talib Kalefa Hasan. (2026). Indigenous Land Rights and the Legal Challenges of Ecological Conservation. Environment and Social Psychology, 11(1), ESP-3996. https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v11i1.3996

Indigenous Land Rights and the Legal Challenges of Ecological Conservation

Naseer Sabbar Lafta

Al-Turath University, Baghdad 10013, Iraq

Saud Suwaid Armoosh

Al-Mansour University College, Baghdad 10067, Iraq

Ali Mousa Hussein Mezian

Al-Mamoon University College, Baghdad 10012, Iraq

Nazar F. Hassan

Al-Rafidain University College, Baghdad 10064, Iraq

Talib Kalefa Hasan

Madenat Alelem University College, Baghdad 10006, Iraq


DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v11i1.3996


Keywords: legal pluralism, environmental law, family law, legal harmonization, sustainability, policy analysis, judicial guidelines, customary law, resource management.

Abstract

The rights of Indigenous peoples and conservation policies have historically been at odds, with many existing policies falling short of recognizing the need for environmental conservation along with the sovereignty of Indigenous nations and traditional cultural uses of the land. This analysis explores the implications of existing legal systems and ecological initiatives on Indigenous self-determination and biodiversity, highlighting potential legal and policy gaps, and potential best practices that pair Indigenous traditional laws with governance to optimize biodiversity outcomes and uphold Indigenous self-determination. A mixed-methods approach is adopted to include comparative legal analysis, qualitative content analysis of legal processes and outcomes as well as case studies in pertinent territories. The analysis is further backed by quantitative modelling of conservation metrics, such as deforestation rates, biodiversity indicators, and governance stability. The results show that secure tenure and Indigenous-led governance are significantly related to more effective conservation outcomes, manifesting as lower rates of deforestation and increased biodiversity. Yet, challenges in enforcement, limited financial resources and policies without integration points constitute clear barriers. While co-management models are very promising, they will need continuous financial and legislative resources to be successful in the long run. This process will ultimately be essential to achieving equitable and effective conservation outcomes. Bridging persistent gaps in enforcement, funding and jurisdictional clarity will be essential. Subsequent research should examine successful legal approaches taken by Indigenous peoples as well as novel governance structures that meld ecological sustainability with the sovereignty of Indigenous peoples.

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