05/05/2025
🌿 Indigenous Expertise for Conservation in Sarawak: A Dialogue
Huge thanks to Bruno Manser Fonds, Keruan - Voices of the Penans and SAVE Rivers for hosting this eye-opening seminar at the Royal Geographical Society last week.
It was powerful to hear directly from Indigenous voices—stories told by those who live them. 💚
We listened to Ukau Lupung and Ngo Nyapong from Bateu Bungan, Mulu, with Ukau’s daughter Dayang beautifully translating their words from Penan to English. Their stories—and the videos recorded by Penan communities mapping their own forests—were deeply moving and connected with everyone in the room.
Thank you to Dayang Ukau and Willie Kajan for sharing reflections on Gunung Mulu National Park. Despite the nerves, your voices are full of passion and truth.
The discussion on the Magoh Biosphere from Mutang Urud, Lerroy Lemen, and Jayl Langub opened up exciting possibilities. And huge appreciation to Komeok Joe and Celine Lim for sharing lessons from the Baram Peace Park—an honest and grounded reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice.
We also heard from Prof J. Peter Brosius, YB See Chee How, Ian MacKenzie, Gabriel Tonga Noweg, and Dr. June Rubis—each speaker bringing clarity, passion, and deep knowledge. The day closed with powerful remarks from Ida Theilade and Mutang Urud.
🌞 Afterward, a gentle walk through South Kensington in the April sunshine with the crew—sharing stories, laughter, and ancestral wisdom over Tiger beer & Malaysian coffee.
A day of learning, listening, and shifting perspectives. Indigenous peoples are the frontline defenders of our forests and our planet. It’s time to listen, learn—and follow their lead. ✊🏽🌏