Photo: Residents of Sungai Utik, West Kalimantan, monitoring the hornbill population in their customary forest. © Rekam Nusantara Foundation/Iban Manua Sungai Utik
Tuesday, 29 October 2024. Biodiversity protection is inseparable from the participation of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, who have long been integral to the ecosystems within their customary territories. Indigenous peoples have practiced biodiversity monitoring for generations. Representatives from Kalimantan attended COP16 CBD in Cali, Colombia, from October 21, 2024, to November 1, 2024, to share their experiences in biodiversity monitoring with the global community.
As the third-largest island in the world, Kalimantan hosts remarkable biodiversity, including over 15,000 plant species, 288 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 150 reptile and amphibian species, making it a significant area where biodiversity and diverse cultures collide. Various Indigenous Peoples groups have long protected the biodiversity within their territories. Representatives from the Ketemenggungan Iban Jalai Lintang Indigenous Peoples of West Kalimantan shared this tradition during a side event at COP16 CBD. Watch more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=HYewqeLiTKVc3kMy&v=8BUH4d8w9Wk&feature=youtu.be
"All Indigenous Peoples communities in Indonesia must continue to protect and manage the forests and their resources. It’s better to protect our springs than to shed tears over their loss," said Raymundus Remang, Head of Batu Lintang Village/Chairman of Gerempong Menuajudan - Sungai Utik.
Darius Doni, a youth from the third generation of the Ketemenggungan Iban Jalai Lintang community and a regional board member of Indigenous Peoples’ Alliance of Nusantara (AMAN) Kapuas Hulu, emphasized, "Indigenous youth must take a more active role in protecting and managing our customary territories. This is our inheritance from our ancestors, and it’s essential for building a better future.”
Kapuas Hulu is one of the most remarkable landscapes in the heart of Kalimantan, known for its unparalleled biodiversity. The lush tropical rainforest here serves as a vital refuge for many species, including the critically endangered helmeted hornbill and seven other hornbill species, orangutans, and millions of other creatures that call this forest home.
Caption photo: Customary forest in Kalimantan provide safe haven for critically endangered of Helmeted hornbill Copyright: © Yayasan Rekam Nusantara/Yoki Hadiprakarsa
Indigenous People’s practices in biodiversity conservation are deeply rooted in a cosmic relationship with nature. For generations, Indigenous Peoples have successfully managed ecosystems sustainably, as all the needs to support their livelihoods are met by nature.
In addition to the Ketemenggungan Iban Jalai Lintang Indigenous Peoples Community, the Dayak Punan Tugung Indigenous Community in Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan, also exemplifies this commitment. Despite their customary territory being entirely within a company’s concession area and classified as forest zone, the Dayak Punan Tugung Indigenous Peoples Community continues to protect the biodiversity in their customary territory.
Rahmat Sulaiman from the Participatory Mapping Network (JKPP) expressed concern about the Dayak Punan Tugung Indigenous Community customary territory, stating, “The entire area is within the logging concession of PT. Intracawood, affecting both its production and protection function. There is a striking contrast in forest management between the corporation and the Indigenous Peoples, demonstrating how the Dayak Punan Tugung Indigenous Peoples can maintain the integrity of their customary forest.”
Nurhayati, an indigenous woman from the Dayak Punan Tugung community, shared her traditional knowledge based on local wisdom in their customary territory. She emphasized the importance of local wisdom and the use of traditional medicines, or ethnobotany, which has been passed down for generations. During her presentation, Nurhayati showcased various herbal plants that serve as remedies for health issues ranging from feverish feelings to poison antidotes. "The forest is like a free supermarket and pharmacy for us. We can find all the necessities we need there. We cannot be separated from our customary forest," Nurhayati added.
Photo: Nurhayati explaining medicinal herbs commonly used by Indigenous Peoples.
Despite being key players in biodiversity conservation, Indigenous Peoples receive minimal recognition. Data from PADI Indonesia and JKPP indicate that the official recognition of Indigenous Peoples in North Kalimantan is limited to just three regencies: Malinau, Nunukan, and Bulungan. "So far, only 19 Indigenous Peoples communities have been formally recognized, all within these three regencies even though there are more than that," said Among, Executive Director of PADI Indonesia and advisor to the Dayak Punan Tugung Indigenous Peoples.
"Indigenous Peoples communities are not the cause of biodiversity loss and climate change; rather, they are the frontline defenders and the first to be directly affected by its loss,” Among added. “It is essential for Indigenous Peoples communities to receive formal recognition and support from the global community to ensure their continued role in biodiversity conservation and management.”
Photo: Indonesian CSO delegation and representatives of the Dayak Punan Tugung Indigenous Peoples during a side event of COP 16 CBD.
Indigenous Peoples communities in Kalimantan aren’t alone in their struggle for recognition of their rights and territories. Across Indonesia—and at the global level in negotiations like COP16 CBD—the fight for respect and recognition of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities’ rights remain challenging, even though these communities have played a proven role in biodiversity protection and indirectly contribute to achieving the 3rd target of KM-GBF.
Recognition and respect for the rights and territories of Indigenous Peoples are essential prerequisites for them to continue their effective practices in sustainable ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation.
Yoki Hadiprakarsa from the Rekam Nusantara Foundation emphasized, "Indigenous Peoples’ effort to sustainably manage and protect their customary forests have been ongoing for generations. Continuous technical and financial support from various stakeholders is crucial to ensure ongoing biodiversity conservation. This not only advances the implementation of KM-GBF in Indonesia, but also provides immense, long-term benefits for Indonesia and the global community.”
Contact Person:
Yoki Hadiprakarsa, Yayasan Rekam Nusantara, +62 811-1109-322
Rahmat Sulaiman, Jaringan Kerja Pemetaan Partisipatif (JKPP), +62 821-9422-4676
Among, PADI Indonesia, +62 812-5326-204
