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View all search resultsSkepticism persists as Indonesia joins global deal on indigenous land
Indonesia pledges to grant 1.4 million hectares of forest to indigenous communities by 2029, endorsing a global agreement aiming to recognize 160 million ha of customary lands in the next five years.
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An aerial picture shows a conservation forest on Sept. 25 in Rantau Panjang in East Aceh regency, Aceh. (AFP/Chaideer Mahyuddin)
I
ndonesia has endorsed the first global agreement that aims to protect land tenure rights for indigenous communities living in tropical forests around the world, a move met by skepticism from environmentalists due to the lack of policies, and persistence of land grabs in the country.
The deal, the Intergovernmental Land Tenure Commitment (ILTC), was launched on the sidelines of the United Nations climate change conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, on Nov. 17. It sets a target for the recognition of 160 million hectares of customary and community lands, an area four times the size of Norway, by 2030.
Under the agreement, 14 endorsing countries have pledged to secure and strengthen land tenure rights for indigenous communities, including a 63 million ha commitment from Brazil and a 50 million ha commitment from the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a statement issued by the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership.
During the ILTC launching event in Belém, the Forestry Ministry reaffirmed Indonesia’s target to grant 1.4 million ha of forest to indigenous communities by 2029.
“Indigenous peoples and local communities play significant roles in creating traditional knowledge and sustainable practices as well as managing vital ecosystems, including their crucial roles in climate action,” said Julmansyah, the Forestry Ministry’s director for tenurial conflict and customary forest management, as quoted from a statement from the ministry.
Read also: Calls grow for govt to protect ocean, small islands at COP30
The 1.4 million ha target, he added, is a part of the national climate strategy that places indigenous and local communities as an important pillar.
