[Sekolah Iklim] Bridging Climate Knowledge and Indigenous Wisdom in Peninsular Malaysia
Download the Sekolah Iklim report, “Heartbeat Voices from Indigenous Youth of Peninsula Malaysia” here.
Welcome to our journey with Sekolah Iklim, a transformative initiative by Klima Action Malaysia (KAMY), generously supported by the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This project has been a beacon of hope and progress, dedicated to empowering Orang Asli (OA) youth in Peninsula Malaysia to confront and navigate the complexities of the climate crisis. Through a series of workshops, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, we’ve strived to merge traditional knowledge with contemporary climate science, ensuring that indigenous voices are not just heard, but are at the forefront of climate action. Here, we share the insights and experiences from our groundbreaking journey.
SI Workshops
The Sekolah Iklim workshops programming consisted of sessions focused on enhancing contributors’ knowledge and skills regarding climate science fundamentals, mitigation and adaptation strategies, media training for effective communication and COP-related discussions, exploring the Malaysian climate framework, fair energy transition, financial strategies for climate-induced losses, and the role of gender empowerment in climate initiatives.
Our first workshop, held from June 17 to June 18, 2023, welcomed 14 indigenous youth participants from five Malaysian states: Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Selangor, and Johor. This workshop was a part of our strategy to engage Indigenous university students, providing them with an essential platform to voice their concerns about the climate crisis and its impact on their communities. The two-day event kicked off with a deep dive into the climate crisis, followed by discussions on the critical intersections of women, gender, and climate science. We explored systemic issues faced by the Orang Asli community, using case presentations to bring theoretical discussions to life.
The second day shifted focus towards policy, introducing participants to the fundamentals of climate governance. Highlights included the importance of policies and laws, and the role of the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) in climate action. The day was enriched by insights from Diana Tan Beng Hui’s experiences at COP27 and the narratives shared by Weaving Hopes. An interactive session on policy allowed participants to identify barriers and strategize solutions, showcasing the clarity and conviction of the Orang Asli youth.
Moving forward to our second workshop, held on September 9 and 10, 2023, we delved into more complex topics. This included the COP UNFCCC processes and key negotiation tracks for COP28, such as Global Stocktake Climate Finance, Loss and Damage, and Just Energy Transition. Despite the complexity of these topics, participants demonstrated remarkable engagement and enthusiasm. A special video message from Emmanuela Shinta, a prominent indigenous youth activist, provided additional inspiration and learning to the attendees.
The workshops collectively not only educated and empowered the Indigenous youth but also unveiled the depth of their understanding and their readiness to contribute to climate solutions. By combining the elements of both workshops, we uncovered a wealth of information about the Orang Asli community’s relationship with climate change, their adaptive strategies, and their aspirations. These workshops signified a crucial step towards acknowledging and providing a platform for these young minds, who are keenly aware of the challenges they face and are eager to be part of the solution.
Focus Group Discussions
The FGDs, through online and face to face mode, allowed Orang Asli youth to discuss the climate crisis’s effects on them and their communities on topics like socio-economic issues, youth health, and climate awareness. The FGDs accrued Orang Asli youth contributors’ personal experiences and mapped their present socio-economic challenges and the climate crisis’s direct and indirect impacts through the short and long term.
Spanning several months and varying in format, each FGD offered unique insights and fostered deep discussions.
Our first foray into these discussions began online on June 11, 2023. Following a detailed pre-FGD briefing, eight participants gathered on Zoom. Despite the limitations of an online format, the discussion was lively and insightful. A key takeaway was the importance of providing allowances and covering participation costs to encourage involvement from indigenous youth, many of whom come from B40 families with pressing livelihood concerns.
Transitioning from the virtual realm, our second FGD on July 7–9 took place amidst the natural backdrop of Kebun Kita, Sungkai, Perak. This in-person session focused on young Orang Asli (OA) women, exploring their perspectives on climate change, Customary Land Rights, and systemic inequalities. The serene setting facilitated open discussions and brainstorming sessions among the attendees, including 9 indigenous youth and 4 coordinators.
Building on the success of these initial discussions, we shifted the venue to the participants’ own villages, further minimising barriers and enabling more authentic conversations. The third FGD, an all-female gathering, was held on September 19 at Kampung Sungai Kiol, Jerantut, Pahang. Discussions delved into the impact of the climate crisis on Orang Asli women’s livelihoods and explored systemic issues, enriched by the setting in the heart of their community.
Finally, our fourth FGD on October 23 in Kampung Simpai, Pekan, Pahang, mirrored the previous village-based approach. This session engaged 8 new participants and focused on the impact of development on Orang Asli lands, particularly affecting young people. The discussions here contributed significantly to forming a detailed case study for our final report.
Throughout these FGDs, we witnessed a remarkable evolution in dialogue and engagement. From an online format to intimate village settings, each session brought new dimensions to our understanding of indigenous youth’s experiences with climate change. The insights gathered from these discussions were not only vital for our final report but also instrumental in shaping Sekolah Iklim’s future strategies to empower indigenous communities in the face of environmental challenges.
Key Informant Interviews
Sekolah Iklim’s research process included key informant interviews to understand Orang Asli youth’s perspectives on activism, welfare, and indigenous land rights. Led by lead researcher Kasih, these interviews aimed to showcase indigenous youth’s current climate activism efforts and serve as an inspiration for others in climate governance at various levels.
The first interview was with Nora, an Orang Asli Women’s Activist from Kelantan, focusing on gender equality and land rights in Gua Musang. This interview, held in Kuala Lumpur on June 14, 2023, specifically addressed the Nenggiri Mega Dam project.
Subsequent interviews involved representatives from indigenous organisations and collectives, such as from JKOASM and Apa Kata Wanita OA (APKWOA).
Closing
In conclusion, the Sekolah Iklim project has been a remarkable journey of learning, empowerment, and collaboration between Klima Action Malaysia and the Orang Asli youth of Peninsula Malaysia. We are thrilled to announce that our efforts have culminated in the completion of our aspiration report titled “Heartbeat Voices from Indigenous Youth of Peninsula Malaysia.” This report is a testament to the resilience, wisdom, and aspirations of indigenous youth, capturing their invaluable perspectives on climate action and governance. We invite you to explore these insightful narratives and reflections by downloading the report from KAMY’s website at Klima Action Malaysia Publications.
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