Tribal leaders from several ancestral domains pushed for representation in the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council (CDORBMC) during an inter-ancestral domain gathering from June 29 until July 2, 2023 that aimed to unify the conservation efforts of Indigenous Peoples communities.

The gathering was based on the realization that physical changes in the uplands, which are mainly inhabited by the IPs, will impact on the environment in the lowland areas of the river basin.

Written by Anggit Saranta

Samdhana Hosts Women Environmental Human Rights Defenders Summit in Adonara

Written by Le Anh Nguyen Long

Written by: Aim Sylph Lumactod

Hanny Heng (also known as Roeurn), lives in Mondulkiri province, Cambodia. A proud member of the Bunong tribe, she is one of several women leaders from Cambodia who was able to attend the Women Environmental and Human Rights Defenders (WEHRD) conference held in Adonara, Indonesia, in May 2023. 

The Phnong (or ‘Bunong’) tribe is one of the Indigenous ethnic minority groups living in Mondulkiri province, Cambodia. The Bunong are known for their intimate connection to nature and their beliefs in forest spirits that inhabite wild places and should not be disturbed. 

From managing community activities, such as holding meeting for discussions, developing product, to increasing community member’s abilities and potential, community organisers play crucial roles in community. In order to maximize their potential in supporting the community, Samdhana Institute held a training session for community organisers in the Fef district of Tambrauw Regency in Southwest Papua. Provided through our Capacity and Development Programme and supported by the PERMATA Project, 

On October 13-15, Samdhana Institute and community partners celebrated the annual World Food Day, through the LAMBO 2023 event at Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. Part of the celebration was giving space for young people who are doing concrete initiatives to protect the environment and contribute in addressing food security.

“They have realized that climate change has become alarming. Even if we’re living in the mountains, we can feel that it’s really getting hotter,” Karen Puasan, leader of the Nangcaon Higaonon Youth Organization, explained why her fellow Higaonon youth were enthusiastic about the collection of wildlings.

The coastal town of Coron awoke from a three-year hiatus imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic to celebrate the 'Kasadyaan Festival', in honor of Roman Catholic Patron, Saint Augustine. The month-long festival revived the annual celebration that the town had been used to, adding more attractions for foreign and national tourists, as well as for the local residents.