In today’s fast-paced modern era, environmental issues have become a major global concern. As environmental degradation escalates, many have begun to turn back to the local wisdom passed down by Indigenous Peoples. These communities are the Earth’s guardians, having long-established sustainable ways of managing nature.
This article will explore the importance of local wisdom, the role of Indigenous Communities in protecting the Earth, and how we can learn from these practices.
Who are Indigenous Peoples?
Indigenous Peoples are groups that have lived for generations in specific regions, with distinctive social, cultural, and legal systems inherited from their ancestors.
They have a close relationship with their environment and often rely on natural resources for their survival. Their values, norms, and traditions reflect a way of life that is in harmony with nature.
Indigenous peoples also have rights over the land and resources in their territories, recognized by customary law, and in some cases, by national law. Their local wisdom is a crucial element in the efforts to preserve the environment and sustain ecosystems.
Local Wisdom: Definition and Significance
According to the Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian Language Dictionary), the term “local wisdom” is composed of two words: “wisdom” (meaning knowledge) and “local” (meaning from a particular place).
Hence, local wisdom can be interpreted as ideas, values, or views originating from a local community, imbued with wisdom, positivity, and held firmly by its members.
Local wisdom is a collection of knowledge, skills, and traditions that have developed within a community over the years as a response to their natural environment.
For example, in some Indigenous Indonesian tribes, community-based farming systems like subak in Bali or the sasi practice in Maluku have become sustainable ways of life.
Indigenous Peoples have a profound understanding of their ecosystems and are often able to manage natural resources in ways that align with the balance of nature.
The Role of Indigenous Peoples in Environmental Conservation
Indigenous Peoples maintain a deep connection with nature. They do not only rely on it for survival but also preserve its balance through the local wisdom passed down through generations.
Below are some of the significant roles Indigenous peoples play in protecting the environment:
1. Sustainable Land Use
One of the primary ways Indigenous Peoples safeguard the Earth is through sustainable land management. Many Indigenous peoples employ traditional farming systems that do not harm ecosystems.
For example, the Dayak community in Kalimantan uses shifting cultivation techniques, allowing the land to recover before being used for farming again. This contrasts with modern agricultural practices, often leading to continuous soil degradation.
According to a report by the World Resources Institute (WRI), around 50% of the world’s land is occupied by Indigenous peoples, although only 10% have formal ownership.
About 2.5 billion people, including 370 million Indigenous individuals, depend on these lands for their livelihoods. Indigenous lands store 24% of the world’s tropical forest carbon and help reduce deforestation rates by up to 50% in areas with clear ownership, such as the Amazon.
Indigenous peoples have proven that they can conserve natural resources without destroying them.
2. Forest and Resource Protection
Indigenous forests often serve as the last refuge for biodiversity. Indigenous peoples have a deep connection with forests, which are often regarded as part of their cultural identity.
For example, the Orang Rimba tribe in Jambi, Sumatra, relies entirely on the forest for food, medicine, and building materials.
According to WRI, forests managed by Indigenous peoples experience much lower deforestation rates compared to those not managed by them.
In the Amazon, for instance, the deforestation rate within Indigenous territories with protected ownership status is 0.15% per year, while outside Indigenous lands it is 0.43% per year.
Furthermore, in Brazil, the deforestation rate within Indigenous territories is 0.06% per year, compared to 0.15% per year outside these areas. This data shows that Indigenous-based management can be an effective solution for tackling global deforestation.
Examples of Local Wisdom in Indonesia
Here are some examples of local wisdom in Indonesia that play a significant role in environmental preservation:
1. Subak – Traditional Irrigation System in Bali
Subak is a traditional irrigation system in Bali that has existed since the 9th century. It reflects the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which means three ways to achieve happiness: harmonious relationships between humans and God, humans and humans, and humans and nature.
In practice, subak ensures fair and efficient water distribution for farmers in terraced rice fields. Water is regarded as a source of life that must be shared equitably, not for individual gain.
Farmers in each subak community work together to ensure the proper flow of water, strengthening social bonds while maintaining the balance of nature.
Subak is also recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage due to its critical role in sustaining agriculture in Bali.
2. Sasi – Conservation Practice in Maluku
Sasi is a customary law system applied in Maluku and West Papua to protect natural resources.
Under the sasi system, Indigenous Peoples impose temporary bans on the use of certain natural resources, such as fish, fruits, or forest products, for a set period. The aim is to allow these resources to recover, ensuring they can be sustainably used in the future.
Sasi is highly effective in conserving both marine and terrestrial resources and is an integral part of the community’s social life. This practice demonstrates how Indigenous people understand natural cycles and the need to give nature a break to recover—a concept rarely seen in modern resource exploitation approaches.
3. Tana Ulen – Forest Management by the Dayak Tribe in Kalimantan
Tana Ulen is a traditional forest management practice conducted by the Dayak tribe in Kalimantan. In this system, certain forest areas are designated as protected and cannot be exploited carelessly.
Only in specific circumstances, and with the approval of the Indigenous community, can the forest be used for communal purposes, such as during traditional ceremonies or emergencies.
The Tana Ulen concept helps preserve the forest, protect biodiversity, and maintain natural resources essential for the community’s survival. This practice not only conserves the forest but also preserves the cultural integrity and traditions of the Dayak tribe.
4. Pela Gandong – Kinship System in Maluku
Pela Gandong is a traditional kinship system practiced by the people of Maluku, particularly in Ambon and surrounding islands. It aims to strengthen social relationships between villages through alliances or customary bonds known as pela.
While not directly related to environmental conservation, Pela Gandong promotes community cooperation in various aspects of life, including environmental protection.
Through gotong royong (mutual cooperation) and inter-village collaboration, Indigenous Peoples in Maluku often engage in conservation activities, such as maintaining clean seas, caring for mangrove forests, and protecting other natural resources.
This is an example of how local wisdom rooted in social bonds can positively impact environmental sustainability.
Challenges Faced by Indigenous Peoples
Despite their valuable knowledge and skills in protecting the earth, Indigenous Peoples often face numerous challenges.
One of the biggest challenges is pressure from large corporations seeking to exploit natural resources in Indigenous territories. For instance, in Papua, many Indigenous Peoples face threats from mining companies that destroy their forests.
In addition, modernization and globalization also threaten the sustainability of local wisdom. Many younger generations of Indigenous People are abandoning their traditions in favor of modern lifestyles, which are often more harmful to the environment.
The Importance of Preserving Local Wisdom
Preserving local wisdom is not only important for protecting the environment but also for maintaining the cultural identity of Indigenous Peoples. Local wisdom is an inseparable part of the history and cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples. If this wisdom is lost, a significant part of their identity is lost as well.
One way to preserve local wisdom is by documenting traditional knowledge and practices. Many non-governmental organizations are working with Indigenous Peoples to document their knowledge of land management, agriculture, and natural resource conservation.
This not only helps preserve local wisdom but also ensures that this knowledge is passed on to future generations.
Bridging Local Wisdom with Modern Technology
Although local wisdom is often associated with traditional ways, it does not mean that it cannot synergize with modern technology. There are many examples where modern technology is used to enhance local wisdom practices.
For example, in some areas, GPS-based mapping technology is used to track Indigenous territories and protect forests from illegal deforestation. This technology allows them to document the boundaries of their lands and prove their rights to the land.
In addition, technology can also be used to support conservation efforts based on traditional practices. For instance, sensors and drones can be used to monitor forest conditions and natural resources, while the collected data can be used to make better decisions regarding resource management.
The local wisdom of Indigenous Peoples is an invaluable source of knowledge in efforts to protect the earth. Indigenous People have proven that they are capable of managing natural resources in a sustainable and harmonious way with nature. In facing the current global environmental crisis, we need to learn from them.
By understanding the important role of Indigenous Peoples in protecting the earth, we can take steps to preserve local wisdom and ensure that this valuable knowledge is not lost over time.
Let’s respect and support Indigenous Peoples in their efforts to safeguard the earth, as our future also depends on the sustainability they have maintained for centuries.
References:
https://wri-indonesia.org/id/wawasan/hak-tanah-masyarakat-adat-dan-masyarakat-dalam-angka
https://jurnal.unsil.ac.id/index.php/metaedukasi/article/viewFile/1808/1190
https://www.indowings.com/blog/impact-of-drones-on-forest-monitoring.php
