Potential 29 Million Hectares of Indigenous Conservation Unrecognised, KLH Drafts Regulation

The Ministry of Environment (KLH), together with the Working Group Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (WGII) Indonesia, commenced drafting a Roadmap for the Protection and Advancement of Local Wisdom in Biodiversity Conservation on Tuesday (17/6). This roadmap forms part of the implementation of the Indonesian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2045 and the Work Programme on Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Deputy for Pollution Control and Environmental Damage at KLH, Rasio Ridho Sani, emphasised that indigenous peoples and local communities have long served as genuine ecosystem guardians without receiving commensurate recognition and protection. “Biodiversity is a crucial natural asset for ecosystem sustainability and community welfare. Therefore, indigenous peoples and local communities need to receive support, recognition, protection, and fair benefits for their contribution to safeguarding biodiversity,” Rasio stated.

Data from WGII Indonesia reveals the vast potential that has been overlooked by formal policy. Policy Advocacy and Campaign Manager of WGII, Muhammad Ihsan Maulana, said more than 192 indigenous peoples and local communities have documented their conservation practices, covering an area of approximately one million hectares. “More than 192 indigenous peoples and local communities have documented their conservation practices, covering an area of approximately one million hectares. This contribution needs stronger recognition in policy so that national conservation targets can be achieved fairly and inclusively,” Ihsan said.

He added that WGII analysis shows Indonesia has the potential for community-managed conservation areas exceeding 29 million hectares, mostly located in landscapes with relatively intact ecosystems of significant biodiversity value.

Gadjah Mada University academic Yance Arizona highlighted the need to simplify the mechanism for recognising indigenous peoples and local wisdom to facilitate implementation at the regional level. “Documentation of local wisdom by regional governments together with communities can serve as a strong foundation to accelerate recognition and protection of local wisdom through more effective policies,” Yance said.

This forum also marked the formation of the roadmap drafting team and the submission of a policy paper on strengthening regulations for the protection of local wisdom as input for the drafting process. KLH hopes this step will not only strengthen biodiversity conservation but also ensure respect for the rights, knowledge, and practices of indigenous peoples as an integral part of sustainable environmental development.