What's Happening?
In Indonesian Borneo, the Iban people of Sungai Utik maintain forests not through regulation but through cultural beliefs. They believe that large strangler fig trees house spirits that can harm those who disturb them. This belief leads to the practice
of 'dipulau,' where these trees and surrounding forest buffers are left standing during field clearing, creating ecological 'islands' in farmland. These islands support biodiversity by providing habitat and food sources for wildlife. Despite the erosion of these beliefs due to religious conversion and skepticism among younger generations, the practice continues to have a significant ecological impact.
Why It's Important?
The Iban's belief system demonstrates a form of autonomous conservation that relies on cultural norms rather than external enforcement. This approach preserves biodiversity and ecological balance in agricultural landscapes, offering a model for conservation efforts worldwide. As global environmental challenges grow, understanding and respecting indigenous practices can provide valuable insights into sustainable land management. The potential decline of these beliefs poses a risk to the ecological benefits they provide, highlighting the need to integrate traditional knowledge with modern conservation strategies.
