Indonesia is developing a pioneering roadmap to protect Indigenous and local knowledge in preserving biodiversity, aligning with global commitments to conserve nature by 2030.
- Roadmap developed to protect Indigenous conservation knowledge
- Indigenous territories cover nearly 30 million hectares with high ecological value
- Aligns with global goal to conserve 30% of land and sea by 2030
What happened
In June 2026, Indonesia began drafting a roadmap aimed at safeguarding Indigenous peoples' and local communities' traditional wisdom in biodiversity conservation. This roadmap is designed to reinforce the recognition of Indigenous territories and customary practices that have effectively conserved some of the nation's most biologically rich ecosystems for generations.
The initiative is part of Indonesia’s efforts to meet its commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This global framework calls for protecting 30% of the world’s land and sea by 2030, emphasizing respect for Indigenous rights and knowledge.
Why it feels good
Indonesia hosts an estimated 50 to 70 million Indigenous peoples—about one-fifth of its population—living in diverse environments such as forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and peatlands. These communities have long practiced customary governance systems that sustain biodiversity, showcasing the power of living in harmony with nature.
By officially recognizing and protecting Indigenous stewardship through this roadmap, Indonesia not only advances environmental conservation but also promotes social justice. It acknowledges Indigenous peoples as key guardians of nature rather than treating ecosystems as mere resources to exploit.
What to enjoy or watch next
Look to the unfolding implementation of this roadmap as it could serve as a model for other nations with Indigenous populations and rich biodiversity. Observers can anticipate strengthened partnerships between government agencies and Indigenous communities, enhancing conservation outcomes in culturally respectful ways.
This development also invites a closer look at local traditional conservation practices like Maluku’s sasi and Bali’s awig-awig laws, which temporarily regulate natural resource use to ensure sustainability. Watching how these practices gain legal recognition might inspire wider support for Indigenous-led conservation globally.