Final answer:
Environmental anthropologists do not universally consider all indigenous people as environmentalists; such a belief is false. Indigenous practices and interactions with the environment are varied and cannot be generalized. Recognizing the complexity and historical context of these practices is crucial for effective conservation efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is false that environmental anthropologists believe all indigenous people are environmentalists. While some indigenous people and cultures have a reputation for living in harmony with nature and may possess extensive traditional ecological knowledge, this is not universal. Anthropologists recognize the complexity of human-environment interactions and note that indigenous people, like all groups, engage in a variety of practices with varied effects on their environment, some of which may be destructive.
There is a danger in subscribing to the "myth of the ecologically noble savage," which simplifies the diverse ways indigenous peoples interact with their environments. Such a myth may lead to misconceptions in conservation efforts. Not all indigenous practices are sustainable or environmentally friendly, although there can be valuable knowledge derived from long-term, location-specific practices that benefit conservation.
The understanding and recognition of indigenous knowledge systems and practices are important, especially when they contribute to sustainable development and conservation efforts. Moreover, indigenous people have historically altered their environments in significant ways, which challenges modern notions of wilderness and calls for incorporating historical context into conservation strategies.