Climate
change is an escalating global threat, and the Philippines is no exception.
According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, January
2024 was the warmest January ever recorded globally, with an average surface
air temperature of 13.14°C, 0.70°C above the 1991–2020 average, and 1.66°C
above pre-industrial levels.
In the Philippines, agriculture is crucial to the economy but increasingly vulnerable to climate change. The country depends heavily on food imports, particularly rice and wheat, to meet domestic demand. Climate change intensifies this reliance by increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events like typhoons, droughts, and floods. For example, in 2024, the Philippines faced five major typhoons within three weeks, displacing millions and causing significant agricultural losses. These climate-induced disruptions not only threaten local food production but also impact global supply chains, with export restrictions from other countries exacerbating the strain on the Philippines' food security.
Addressing
these challenges requires the adoption of climate-resilient farming practices,
investment in sustainable technologies, and supportive policies. In Indonesia,
smallholder farmers, supported by alliances and civil society organizations,
are working to restore degraded land and implement agroecological methods to
adapt to climate impacts. Their efforts provide a valuable model for
strengthening agricultural resilience across Southeast Asia, including the
Philippines.
Collaborating to Tackle
Climate Change
One
of such collaboration is the one done by Aliansi Kolibri in partnership with
Yayasan Citra Mandiri Mentawai (YCMM), an organization established in 1995, to
confront the growing challenges of climate change in the Mentawai island, in
the western coast of Sumatran island. To date, YCMM has helped safeguard
approximately 237,701.17 hectares of forest from exploitation.
This
collaboration focuses on community-based solutions that empower indigenous and
local communities. A key part of their work involves introducing adaptive,
environmentally friendly farming techniques such as agroforestry and the
cultivation of climate-resilient crops.
One
of the key members of the community is
Yohanes (44), a farmer from Madobak Village in the Mentawai Islands, West
Sumatra. On his one-hectare plot, Yohanes cultivates Songer bananas (Musa acuminata × balbisiana), a local
variety of banana, along with areca nuts and other crops. During harvest, he
can collect up to 10 bunches of bananas, which sell for around 15 cents USD per
kilogram or are consumed by his family.
As
the son of a traditional elder of the Samalelet Tribe, Yohanes sees maintaining
economic stability and sustainability in Madobak Village as a top priority. For
him, customary forests are not only a source of livelihood but also a cultural
heritage that must be protected from outside exploitation. Committed to
defending indigenous rights, Yohanes continues to adapt and innovate in the
face of environmental challenges.
Yohanes
is not alone in his efforts. He often encourages fellow residents of Madobak
Village to take part in protecting the natural landscape around them. Through
the local tradition of goro, Yohanes
and his neighbors collectively plant trees to enrich forest biodiversity and
organize group harvests.
“Goro” is a long-standing tradition in which community members routinely come
together for shared activities. Each evening, the tribal leader invites members
to sit together and exchange stories, strengthening social bonds. These
gatherings also serve as a platform to discuss environmental protection
initiatives, such as planning restoration work, selecting seedlings, and
setting planting days. For Yohanes, this sense of togetherness fosters
solidarity and strengthens the community’s ability to face everyday challenges.
“Through
goro, we plant trees together and
protect our village ecosystem. This collective spirit gives us strength to face
everyday challenges,” Yohanes shared.
YCMM
believes that the sustainability of forests and the recognition of indigenous
rights are key to successful environmental protection. With its achievements
and strong commitment, YCMM remains at the forefront of preserving the Mentawai
ecosystem and improving the livelihoods of indigenous and local communities.
About Aliansi Kolibri
Aliansi Kolibri is a coalition committed to combating deforestation and increasing sustainability in Indonesia's agricultural sector. Founded in 2021, Aliansi Kolibri focuses on strengthening the capacity of local civil society organizations in addressing climate change and natural resource conservation. With a community-based approach, Aliansi Kolibri promotes collaboration between indigenous people, civil organizations, and the government to create sustainable solutions from the bottom up.
Aliansi Kolibri also serves as a forum for sharing lessons learned, seeking alternative sources of funding, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Through strategic partnerships, Aliansi Kolibri aims to strengthen networks that enable the realization of a more sustainable environment and better agricultural productivity in Indonesia.
For more information, visit https://kolibri.or.id/
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