http://wwf.panda.org/who_we_are/wwf_offices/indonesia/news/?204628/There-is-no-Heart-of-Borneo-without-its-people
“For us, we are rich and prosperous people. We are not
lacking. We plant for rice, we harvest fruits, we take fish from the
river, we build our home from forest wood, our medicine comes from
forest herbs. We live from the forest. If the forest is gone, so are
we.”
Anye Apui, Customary Chief of Hulu Bahau in Malinau, East Kalimantan
The Heart of Borneo Forum in Jakarta, April 18-20, was aimed at bringing
together key stakeholders – including governments, the private sector
and civil society – to discuss progress and possibilities in the
transition to a green economy in the Heart of Borneo.
The Indigenous communities, with their traditions, knowledge and local
wisdom, have been supportive of the Heart of Borneo Initiative,
initiating trans-boundary grassroots support and action for the
sustainable development of the Highlands. These communities are rich in
experience that can contribute significantly to how the community can
become involved in the sustainable development of this trans-boundary
initiative.
Community involvement in the Forum highlighted the important role civil
society can play in moving the green economy from a concept and set of
plans to reality.
“We are the heartbeat of the Heart of Borneo. We are the ones you are
talking about. Those plans you’re making will affect our life, because
we live there,” John Tarawe from Bario, Sarawak-Malaysia, said when he
spoke at a session titled Delivering a Sustainable Future for the Heart
of Borneo.
Community leaders from the Forum of the Indigenous People of the
Highlands of Borneo (FORMADAT), from both the Malaysia and Indonesia
sides, joined the stage with representatives from the governments of
Borneo. They outlined their vision for a sustainable future for Borneo.
“We, the Indigenous People of the Highlands in the Heart of Borneo who
share a common heritage and a common land as the Lun Dayeh, Kelabit, Lun
Bawang, and Sa’ban people, come together in the Alliance of the
Indigenous People of the Highlands of Borneo (FORMADAT) to: increase
awareness and understanding about the highland communities, build local
capacity, and encourage sustainable development in the Heart of Borneo.”
During the event, WWF along with the community leaders launched the
Human Heart of Borneo, a publication that speaks for the indigenous
Borneo people, celebrating their culture and their role in conserving
the forests of Borneo. The publication hopes to enable those outside the
area to learn, feel and become attached to it – with that, support for
the preservation of Borneo culture and nature can be built.
