206.641 hectares of forest officially allocated to Indigenous communities in Indonesia

Tanah Papua: a key player in the fight against climate change

Tanah Papua, in the eastern part of Indonesia, is home to more than 53% of the country’s remaining primary forests. This vast region plays a critical role in carbon storage and climate regulation, making it a key player in the fight against climate change. Its forests also host an astonishing array of wildlife, including birds of paradise, tree kangaroos, bats, unique frog species, and saltwater crocodiles that inhabit the mangroves and river systems along its coasts. 

However, these forests are more than a haven for biodiversity; they are vital for the Indigenous communities that have lived there in harmony with nature for generations. For example, the Asmat people, who reside in South Papua province, rely on swampy mangrove forests for food, shelter, and income. Their sustainable practices, rooted in ancient wisdom, protect these vital ecosystems (and so protects us, making sure the forest are managed well, so they can keep storing carbon). 

Now, the region faces growing threats from deforestation, land disputes, and climate change, jeopardizing both the forests and the communities that protect and depend on them.  

The local population is working with the VCA program to find solutions for these challenges and to build resilience against the threats that make their lives hard.

Voices from the community

Hendrikus Wowokti, head of Erma Village in Asmat, explains the ongoing impact on local lives: 

“The weather is much hotter than before. The river water used to be drinkable, but not anymore. Our community lives in close connection with nature. We hunt and gather food from the forest. Our culture revolves around nature; we believe that every tree has a spirit. But with climate change and other external threats, it is becoming harder to sustain this way of life.” 

These struggles highlight the urgency of finding solutions that protect both forests and livelihoods. One such solution is participatory mapping, a method WWF and local partners have used for years to empower communities and secure their rights to the land. 

What is Participatory Mapping? 

Participatory mapping is a collaborative process where local communities work with experts —such as cartographers, geographers, environmental scientists, and legal advisors—to map their land, combining traditional knowledge with scientific tools. Through GPS mapping, satellite imagery, and community-led validation, they document boundaries, natural resources, and cultural sites. Once finalized, these maps serve as legal evidence, helping communities gain official recognition and control over their territories, preventing external exploitation and deforestation. 

This approach not only protects forests but also fosters local ownership, social cohesion, and conflict resolution. Herman Ear, head of Sona Village in Tanah Papua, explains: “Through participatory mapping, we now know our boundaries. WWF Indonesia helped us with this. We also spoke with other villages to reach agreements on borders.” 

Land disputes have historically caused tension, as Herman recalls: “We often encountered outsiders in the forest. This led to arguments and even fatalities.” 

With recognized boundaries, communities can focus on sustainable land management, avoiding disputes and safeguarding their way of life. 

A Sustainable Solution for the Future

Participatory mapping has proven to be a sustainable solution. In 2024, 81,264 hectares—part of a larger 300,083-hectare area identified for Indigenous governance—were officially recognized through decrees from local regency heads.  

This success can inspire other regions, as Elisa Kambu, Regent of Asmat, notes:
“We hope that all villages in Asmat will receive a decree for their forests. This way, we protect nature and the future of our children.” 

The initiative aligns with the Indonesian government’s target to protect 70% of Papua’s forests, showcasing how community-led efforts can contribute to national and global conservation goals. Research supports this approach: areas managed by local communities often show lower deforestation rates and carbon emissions than state-managed protected areas. 

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its promise, participatory mapping faces challenges, including the need for sustained funding, time, and political stability. Collaboration between communities, governments, and organizations like WWF is essential to overcoming these hurdles. 

The Voices for Just Climate Action program strengthens these efforts by connecting communities with policymakers, ensuring their perspectives are included in decision-making. The program also combines traditional knowledge from local communities with modern tools like GPS and drones to improve mapping accuracy and efficiency. 

A total of 5.3 milion hectares (12% of Tanah Papua) have now been mapped (from which 206.641 has been allocated to indigenous communities) through the VCA-program, and has the potential of being appointed to local communities.  

The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters 

• Indigenous peoples manage 25% of the Earth’s surface, including 40% of protected areas and 37% of ecologically intact landscapes (Garnett et al., 2018). 
• 33.6% of the world’s irrecoverable carbon (carbon stored in forests and ecosystems that, once released, cannot be recaptured) is on land managed by Indigenous peoples and local communities (Noon et al., 2022). 
• Areas with recognized forest rights have lower deforestation and carbon emissions than surrounding areas (Stevens et al., 2014). 
• Local communities are as effective, or even more effective, in reducing deforestation compared to state-managed protected areas (Baragwanath et al., 2020; Nelson et al., 2011). 

Check out the video with voices of the Pomar Sirau Indigenous community, Asmat Regency. They talk about the struggle to protect and recognise their customary territory rights through participatory mapping.