KUCHING: World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Malaysia recently hosted a forum and mini-exhibition in conjunction with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
The event aimed to recognise and learn from the deep-rooted cultures of various indigenous groups in the region, all of whom have been champions of conservation.
In a statement it said communities from diverse backgrounds, including the Penan, Bidayuh, Melanau, Malay, Ibans, Lun Bawang, and Kelabit, came together to share their experiences and aspirations for living in harmony with nature.
The event emphasised the theme of “Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-Determination,” with young representatives and WWF staff actively participating in discussions about challenges and successes in conservation.
Officiating at the event, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Gerawat Gala, who also serves as the adviser to the Alliance of the Indigenous Peoples of the Highlands in the Heart of Borneo, emphasised the paramount importance of respecting indigenous culture, tradition and rights.
In his address, he underscored the significance of preserving the unique heritage and customs of indigenous communities while simultaneously recognising the economic potential inherent in the region’s natural assets.
“For instance, instead of hunting wildlife, we can bring tourists to see the animals, which can contribute to livelihood and tourism.
“Protecting and conserving the forest is not only beneficial in terms of reducing carbon dioxide; it can also help generate income through carbon trading,” he said.
On the other hand, WWF-Malaysia’s Head of Sarawak Conservation, Dr. Jason Hon, highlighted the vital role played by indigenous communities in shaping the landscapes of Sarawak and the need to protect these ecosystems for clean water, air and overall well-being.
“These forests and surrounding areas provide for the needs and well-being of the local communities and indigenous peoples.
“Many areas are now threatened, converted to other land uses resulting in loss of key ecosystem services, such as the very basic needs of clean water and air.
“What we have not lost are human resilience and determination to undo what has failed us, only if we own up to our failures.”
“For WWF, our vision is to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature. We recognise that people, indigenous culture, and nature are inseparable from each other, and the livelihoods and cultures of these people are closely dependent on nature,” he stressed.
Among those present were the Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Sherrina Hussaini and WWF-Malaysia Trustee Prof. Dr. Lau Seng.
