diff --git a/.github/CODEOWNERS b/.github/CODEOWNERS
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+# CODEOWNERS file - defines who must approve PRs
+# Docs: https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/managing-your-repositorys-settings-and-features/customizing-your-repository/about-code-owners
+#
+# NOTE: Teams must have explicit write access to the repository.
+# Order matters - last matching pattern takes precedence.
+
+# Default: infra-humans team + specific users own everything
+*                       @earthspecies/infra-humans @david-rx @nkundiushuti
+
+# Humans team can approve docs and READMEs
+/docs/                  @earthspecies/humans
+*.md                    @earthspecies/humans
+
+# Protect CODEOWNERS itself - requires infra team approval
+/.github/CODEOWNERS     @earthspecies/infra-humans @david-rx @nkundiushuti