Laman Satong is a small village located on the foot of two forested hills in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The forests are formally owned by the government, but in 2011 the community successfully applied for a so-called village forest permit, giving them the legal right to sell forest products for a period of 35 years.
A group of women saw this opportunity and grabbed it, developing their own business: selling water from a well in the forest to villagers and nearby oil palm companies.
In this video, Yuliana Irit, one of the driving forces behind the water business, explains how they work. Things are running smoothly, she says, but are not perfect yet.
This story also appeared on Tropenbos International, as part of its series on forest tenure. This series will be continue to be co-published on Landscape News in the lead-up to the 2019 Global Landscapes Forum Bonn, 22-23 June, highlighting the forum’s theme of rights.
Finally…
…thank you for reading this story. Our mission is to make them freely accessible to everyone, no matter where they are.
We believe that lasting and impactful change starts with changing the way people think. That’s why we amplify the diverse voices the world needs to hear – from local restoration leaders to Indigenous communities and women who lead the way.
By supporting us, not only are you supporting the world’s largest knowledge-led platform devoted to sustainable and inclusive landscapes, but you’re also becoming a vital part of a global movement that’s working tirelessly to create a healthier world for us all.
Every donation counts – no matter the amount. Thank you for being a part of our mission.
A study shows that the Indigenous Poyanawa people are good stewards of their land - and can benefit from its carbon credits.
Three years in the making, a new standard for Indigenous land rights is launching at COP27. Here's what it means.
Filmmaker Guille Isa speaks to poet Donatella Gasparro on how documentaries are crucial for cultural conservation during the climate crisis.