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9/16/2017

A Decade of UNDRIP in Malaysia; Perspectives, Experiences and Hopes of the Indigenous Peoples of Malaysia

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National Seminar on 10 Years of UNDRIP (UN Declaration of Rights for Indigenous Peoples) as part of the World’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration (PHOAS)

Objectives:

To evaluate the implementation of UNDRIP on the ground (at the community level), in courts and jurisprudence, as well as at the national, regional and international levels.
To share experiences and lessons on engagement, and use of UNDRIP.
To discuss further strategies in strengthening indigenous rights advocacy, and the implementation of UNDRIP nationwide

Participation:
Approximately 350 participants, of whom 90% were from indigenous peoples communities around Malaysia.

The seminar was held on the second of the three-day PHOAS celebrations from 7-9 August, to broadly assess the effects and changes that have happened since the adoption of UNDRIP in 2007. Relevant questions include, How has UNDRIP affected the struggles and situations of the indigenous peoples of Malaysia? Are indigenous peoples aware of the UNDRIP and do they use it as a tool? If so, how have they used it and what are their experiences? Has it been an effective tool for advocacy? What are the government’s responses and actions since voting to support and adopt the UNDRIP?

It was noted in the closing speech by JOAS Secretary General, Thomas Jalong, that the workshops provided the opportunity for learning, sharing, reflection and strengthening solidarity among participants from all three regions (Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak), while also sparking the curiosity of those who didn’t initially know much about UNDRIP towards wanting to understand more. The outcome of the workshops also seemed to be a revival of the spirit for older activists, and saw young IPs take the lead as facilitators and group leaders. Lastly, the seminar ended on a very enthusiastic and celebrative mode, with high spirits and a strong sense of solidarity among participants.

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9/16/2017

Role of MNS as a Non-State Actor in Green Governance

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Speakers
Henry Goh, MNS President
Dato' Azizan Noordin, Langkawi Development Authority
Vinayagan Dharmarajah, BirdLife International
Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor
Dato' Dr Abdul Latiff Mohamad
Mohd Khan Momin Khan
Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail

The inaugural conference brought together MNS Branches as well as esteemed personalities, such as Merdeka Award winners, to share information on past, present and future conservation efforts, towards the formulation of the MNS Strategic Plan 2018-2030. The conference was opened by MNS President Henry Goh, followed by the Opening Address by Guest of Honours Dato’ Azizan Noordin, CEO of the Langkawi Development Authority, who spoke about LADA’s efforts in striking a balance between development and environmental protection in Langkawi; and Vinayagan Dharmarajah, BirdLife International Regional Director, who shared BirdLife’s work alongside MNS on Malaysia’s Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas.

In session one, titled “Learning From the Masters”, the audience heard from 2016 Merdeka Award Winner Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor, former MNS President and current Senior Advisor; 2015 Merdeka Award Winner Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr Abdul Latiff Mohamad, Honorary Editor of the Malayan Nature Journal; 2014 Merdeka Award Winner Mohd Khan Momin Khan, former Director-General of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia; and Professor Dr Ahmad Ismail, former MNS Vice-President and current Environmental Education Division Advisor.

Session two, “MNS Nature & Conservation – Moving Through Time”, featured presentations by MNS Branches, namely Langkawi, Kedah, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan/Melaka, Johor, Miri and Sandakan, and the Herpetofauna Special Interest Group from MNS Selangor Branch. In session three, “Cherish the Past & Looking Forward to the Future”, the audience participated in raising concerns to be pursued by MNS towards strengthening the Society, playing on its 75 years of environmental advocacy and its ambitions to safeguard Malaysia’s biodiversity.

Goh said this cooperation was an important element towards strengthening civil societies’ role in effecting green policies for the country. “With MNS being the oldest and largest membership-based environmental NGO in Malaysia, its Branches are the key to success in promoting the study, appreciation, conservation and protection of Malaysia’s natural heritage. MNS has been the main force behind the protection of many key habitats, as well as national, marine and state parks in Malaysia, and this conference has greatly assisted in the Society’s road map for its future conservation efforts,” he said, adding that he was heartened by the Members’ response to the Conference, which is slated to become an annual event. “This shows commitment, and the willingness to keep MNS as a relevant part of policy decisions for the country.”

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A Decade of UNDRIP in Malaysia; Perspectives, Experiences and Hopes of the Indigenous Peoples of Malaysia

Role of MNS as a Non-State Actor in Green Governance

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