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Solving land problems for sake of indigenous peoples
With large-scale development, indigenous peoples and their land face threats, including climate change and population increases.
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A village boy poses for the camera with traditional houses in the background in Wae Rebo, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. (thejakartapost.com/Shivaji Das)
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and issues can never be separated from indigenous peoples. Various pressures and the deprivation of customary land rights have continued to occur along with the development of forest areas for practical economic purposes, both by the government and the private sector.
Current large-scale development often comes at the cost of indigenous peoples and their territories because their economic activities are considered to have no value. Territories and indigenous peoples have fallen victim to discriminatory policies and practices. With large-scale development, indigenous peoples and their land face threats, including climate change and population increases.
Researcher Claudia Sobrevilla mentioned in a study published in 2008 that indigenous peoples’ traditional territories cover 22 percent of the earth’s land surface. They live in areas that are home to 80 percent of earth’s biodiversity. Furthermore, they inhabit areas with the greatest forest biodiversity, such as the Amazon, Africa and Asia, where 20 percent of the areas are legally owned by indigenous peoples and their communities. Their territories function as their place of living and sources of food, water and medicine.
Several studies indicate that the world’s indigenous peoples have managed, enriched and utilized natural resources in a sustainable manner. Thus, indigenous peoples have become among the spearheads in environmental management and provide a wealth of local wisdom and traditions.
