According to Kardi, protecting the living space and livelihoods of marginalized communities, including indigenous peoples, is the key to environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, if an ecological disaster occurs, they are the most vulnerable group to be affected. “Those who live with the forest have a big role in protecting the forest. They deserve our attention because of their role as the real guardians of the Earth,” said Kardi.
The West Kalimantan flood disaster in November 2021 impacted community fields/gardens in flood-affected areas. The community in Sawang Senghiang Village, Sintang, West Kalimantan, experienced a similar situation, where their fields and gardens were flooded.
Through the Kitabisa platform, Gemawan is raising funds to ease the burden on communities affected by floods. Funds of 1 million rupiahs from the fundraising were used to purchase vegetable seeds. “Through these seeds, Gemawan hopes to ease the burden on people whose fields have been affected by flooding,” said Stefanus Kardi, Gemawan activist in Sintang.
“We chose to buy seeds of long beans, cucumbers, gambas, and chilies so that they can be harvested quickly,” said Kardi, explaining the reason for choosing the seeds. Sawang Senghiang is an 8-hour drive from the capital of Sintang Regency, inhabited by the indigenous people of the Uud Danum Tepe Dayak Tribe.
“Indigenous people here rely on livelihoods from forests and fields. Since the last few years, Gemawan has been assisting indigenous peoples in proposing social forestry schemes to protect their forests,” explained Kardi.
The fundraising proceeds of Rp1,030,860.00 were handed over in plant seeds during the village meeting (village visit) last January. After two months, the plant seeds can be harvested by the community. Wednesday (30/03), a women’s group in Sawang Senghiang Village made a big harvest from the seeds from the fundraising.
Indigenous People are Guardians of the Earth
According to Kardi, protecting the living space and livelihoods of marginalized communities, including indigenous peoples, is the key to environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, if an ecological disaster occurs, they are also the most vulnerable group. “Those who live with the forest have a big role in protecting the forest. They deserve our attention because they are the real heroes of the Earth’s guardians,” said Kardi.