The Heart of the Debate on Climate Change

Apo Kayan – the origin of life

“We are very proud of our forest which is maybe among the few remaining primary forests in Kalimantan – but also sad because we stay poor by keeping our forest unlogged.”

Pak Bisin, Head of the Management Board,
Tane Olen community forest, Malinau

The high water catchment plateau of Malinau, where spring water is found, represents the source of life for the Dayak people.

All cultural expression and arts – including community myth and knowledge as well as spiritual values - are focused on the forests, which symbolise the harmony of biosphere and humankind.

The Dayak people have traditionally been the guardians of the forests, protecting them as a common heritage for the benefit of future generations.

This vital role, however, is being eroded by the pressures of development. Growing levels of poverty mean that even the most committed forest communities find it ever more difficult to resist the lure of logging and plantation interests in their struggle to meet basic health care, educational and employment needs. Too often they are cheated of the resulting short-term benefits - and in the process sacrifice the natural assets on which their long-term prosperity depends.