Throughout a 40-year campaign to obtain legal recognition of land rights to their 9,504-hectare Indigenous forest, the Indigenous Group of Dayak Iban Sungai Utik Long House have consistently defended their lands against illegal logging, palm oil production, and corporate interests, protecting an estimated 1.31 million tons of carbon. Known as the Sungai Utik forest guardians, the group lives in West Kalimantan in a 214-metre traditional long house that accommodates 318 people. The Dayak Iban sustainably manage their forest in accordance with Indigenous laws — 6,000 hectares are reserved as protected forest and 3,504 hectares are reserved for crop cultivation managed in a traditional rotation system. This management system provides the group with food, medicine, and clean water. Valuing nature and cultural integrity over temporary wealth from the sale of their land, the Dayak Iban illustrate the power of sustainable indigenous management for climate change mitigation and human well-being.

Key facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2019

Founded: 1978

Location: West Kalimatan, Indonesia

Ecosystem: Forests, Wetlands and rivers