Sign in Subscribe
Youth

Addressing Climate Change and Community Resilience in Malaysia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Baram River Basin in Sarawak, Malaysia, is a unique region with rich ecological and cultural diversity. However, the Long Liam community has faced numerous challenges due to logging, deforestation, and degradation of the forest and river water quality. The Kayan population has seen a decline in their income sources, leading to urban migration among youth and weakening of customary land claims. This project aims to develop a youth-led reforestation ecotourism initiative to promote socio-environmental resilience and sustainable development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Long Liam community in Sarawak, Malaysia, is facing severe environmental degradation due to logging and deforestation, negatively impacting flora, fauna, and the local Kayan population.
  • Watershed degradation has compromised river water quality, increasing the risk of flooding and drought, and reducing access to natural resources, including building materials and food sources.
  • The community has witnessed an upward trend in urban migration among youth, weakening customary land claims and threatening the cultural survival of the Long Liam community.
  • This project will support the development of a youth-led reforestation ecotourism initiative to revive traditional knowledge, reinforce sustainable practices, and expand opportunities for youth.
  • The project aims to develop green jobs in connection with reforestation, supporting a solution that is impactful and sustainable in environmental, social, and economic terms.
  • This project meets the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) Country Programme Strategy's initiatives to support community landscape conservation and biodiversity management, as well as inclusive development prioritizing youth, indigenous communities, and women.

Statistics:

  • The Baram River Basin is home to dozens of endangered species and resilient forest-based communities.
  • Over 10 years, multiple timber extractions have degraded the forest, reducing natural resources and income sources for the community.
  • The community has seen an upward trend in urban migration among youth since 2015.
  • The project aims to benefit 200 community members and create 20 green jobs in reforestation.

Sources:

  • Persatuan Pembangunan Rakan Tenaga Mapan (Energy Action Partners)
  • GEF Small Grants Programme
  • UNDP
  • Small Grants Programme Malaysia Website: http://www.sgpmalaysia.org

Read more