Editorial: Focus of these days is activism and law. Explore how today's activism is reshaping the future, focusing on movements challenging systems to create a just, equal, and sustainable society. It highlights the power of grassroots efforts and visionary thinking in crafting the paradigms of tomorrow.
Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (WALHI), also known as the Indonesian Forum for the Environment, stands as the largest and oldest environmental advocacy non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Indonesia. Founded in 1980 and becoming a member of Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) in 1989, WALHI has been at the forefront of environmental protection and sustainable development across the Indonesian archipelago.
With a robust network of over 479 NGOs and 156 individual members, WALHI operates through independent offices and grassroots constituencies in 27 of Indonesia's 31 provinces. This extensive reach enables WALHI to address diverse environmental challenges unique to different regions within the vast archipelago.
Advocacy and action on multiple fronts
WALHI's work encompasses a broad spectrum of environmental and social issues. Key areas of focus include:
1. Agrarian conflict and natural resource access: WALHI addresses disputes over land and resource access, advocating for equitable distribution and sustainable use of natural resources. This work is critical in a country where land tenure conflicts often lead to significant social and environmental consequences.
2. Indigenous rights and peasant advocacy: The organisation champions the rights of indigenous communities and peasant farmers, who are frequently on the frontline of environmental degradation and exploitation. WALHI's efforts aim to secure land rights and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
3. Coastal and marine conservation: Indonesia's vast coastline and marine biodiversity are under threat from overfishing, pollution, and climate change. WALHI works to protect these vital ecosystems through conservation initiatives and policy advocacy.
4. Deforestation: Indonesia's forests, some of the most biodiverse in the world, are being lost at an alarming rate. WALHI campaigns against deforestation, promoting reforestation and sustainable forest management practices.
In addition to these primary areas, WALHI addresses several cross-cutting issues such as climate change, women's rights, and disaster risk management. These efforts are interlinked, recognising that environmental degradation often exacerbates social inequalities and increases vulnerability to natural disasters.
Global goals and local impact
WALHI's work aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance:
- SDG 13: Climate action: WALHI's initiatives to combat deforestation and promote sustainable land use contribute significantly to climate mitigation efforts. By advocating for policies that reduce carbon emissions and enhance resilience to climate impacts, WALHI supports global climate action goals.
- SDG 5: Gender equality: Recognising the unique challenges faced by women in environmental contexts, WALHI integrates gender perspectives into its programmes. This approach ensures that women's voices are heard and their contributions to environmental stewardship are valued.
- SDG 15: Life on land: WALHI's work to protect forests and promote sustainable land management directly supports the goal of conserving terrestrial ecosystems and halting biodiversity loss.
- SDG 14: Life below water: Through its coastal and marine conservation efforts, WALHI contributes to the sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems, aligning with global targets for preserving life below water.
Communication and outreach
WALHI's commitment to raising awareness and fostering community engagement is evident in its communication strategy. The organisation publishes a newsletter in both English and Indonesian, ensuring that its message reaches a broad audience both locally and internationally. This bilingual approach helps bridge communication gaps and promotes global solidarity in environmental advocacy.
As WALHI continues to grow and evolve, its mission remains clear: to advocate for environmental justice, sustainable development, and the protection of Indonesia's rich natural heritage. By addressing local challenges and contributing to global solutions, WALHI exemplifies the critical role that grassroots organisations play in advancing the UN sustainable development goals and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
More information: https://www.walhi.or.id/
Youtube credits: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendsoftheEarthInt