LEARNING CONSERVATION FROM INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, which falls every August 9, is a good time for us to reflect on conservation. Why? Because we can learn a lot from indigenous peoples about conservation, sustainable use, and care of the earth.
Today, conservation carried out by the government or civil society organizations is considered a legitimate conservation model. Sometimes, protecting conservation areas is interpreted as prohibiting people from engaging in activities within them - a view of conservation without the human element. But in reality, not all human activities are exploitative and anti-conservation.
For example, the Dayak Kenyah people in the interior of East Kalimantan and North Kalimantan. For them, conservation and utilization of natural resources are the same thing: caring for the forest as a source of livelihood, a source of food and health, and part of cultural identity. There is a strong and deep connection between indigenous peoples and their living spaces. This gives rise to a belief that the forest and its biodiversity will continue to support the community in the future. They believe that "if nature is respected, it will provide what is needed."
There is no clear distinction or dividing line between conservation, life and culture. Conservation includes the human activities, local wisdom and values of indigenous peoples who depend on natural resources for life and for the continuation of cultural heritage. Indigenous conservation is conservation that is inclusive and holistic.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) adopted 'inclusive conservation' in its latest biodiversity stewardship strategy. Areas managed by the world's indigenous peoples and local communities contain 80% of the world's biodiversity. Furthermore, research has shown that where communities' rights to their living space are recognized and respected, deforestation rates are lower, and the involvement of indigenous peoples as conservation actors results in better outcomes.
Indigenous peoples' conservation areas (ICCAs) are good examples of conservation by indigenous peoples derived from the integration of several aspects: livelihoods, food and water security, conservation and environmental security. From a rights perspective, ICCAs are the realization of economic and environmental, social and cultural rights. MPAs or ICCAs not only contribute to the conservation of several important habitats, biodiversity and ecosystem services, but they also support the lives of millions of people.
Recognition of MPAs or ICCAs can be an attempt to find a balance between the importance of protecting certain habitats and respecting the rights of indigenous peoples who will maintain these spaces. With this approach, we can see that cultural and natural values are deeply embedded in particular landscapes, and indigenous peoples are a core part of ensuring these values remain alive.
The strength of ICCAs and inclusive conservation relies heavily on the strength of the communities themselves. The customary institutions and values that underpin inclusive and holistic ways of conservation need to be supported and strengthened through recognition, information and capacity building. So that indigenous peoples are able to become responsible and equal conservation actors, both in Indonesia and abroad.