PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – The commemoration of Earth Day presents a crucial opportunity to reflect on the vital roles played by indigenous peoples and local communities in preserving natural conservation efforts. However, there remains an unequal acknowledgment of indigenous peoples as stewards of forests and biodiversity.
The Ford Foundation, dedicated to climate equity for indigenous peoples, continues to support the Badan Registrasi Wilayah Adat (BRWA) in addressing the concerning decline of forests in Indonesia.
From 2010 to March 2024, BRWA has successfully registered 28.2 million hectares of indigenous forests, encompassing significant ecosystems such as mangroves, karst formations, wildlife corridors, and biodiversity hotspots. Collaborative efforts aim to expedite the registration, verification, and certification processes in the Regency of Tapanuli Utara and Luwu Utara.
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Kasmita Widodo, Chief of BRWA, emphasizes that broader recognition of indigenous territories will help safeguard biodiversity and forest ecosystems. “Indigenous peoples and local communities employ preservation practices rooted in natural wisdom, which prove effective in protecting forests and biodiversity,” he stated in an official statement to Palmoilmagazine.com on Monday (22/4/2024).
Kasmita further explained that the implementation of local wisdom encompasses land, forest, and water management, promoting sustainable practices in natural resource management. Earth Day serves as a moment to show support and appreciation for indigenous peoples, empowering them to maintain their territories in alignment with their traditions and cultural values.
Regional Director of Ford Foundation Indonesia, Alexander Irwan said that it would need to get natural protection by preventing hydro meteorologic disaster from the climate change. “The cooperation with BRWA would be about to protect regions (areas) from many disasters, such as, flood and slide that would deliver big losses for the local people,” he said.
In the future, it needs to support anything by giving adequate access for indigenous people to manage their areas. By having acknowledgement on equity and fairness, the programs in Ford Foundation and its implementer partners should urgently help climate crisis mitigation. (T2)
