What's happened
In Papua, Indonesia, women from Enggros village engage in Tonotwiyat, a tradition of gathering resources from mangroves. As pollution and development threaten their forest, these women strive to preserve their culture and livelihoods. Their efforts highlight the intersection of gender, tradition, and environmental conservation.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to AP News, the women of Enggros village have been practicing Tonotwiyat for generations, emphasizing that the forest is not just a resource but a cultural space. Merauje, a local leader, stated, "The customs and culture of Papuans... is that women are not given space and place to speak in traditional meetings." This highlights the dual role of the forest as both a livelihood source and a platform for women's voices.
The Independent echoes this sentiment, noting that the forest has been officially recognized as a women's space since 2016, yet it is increasingly threatened by development. Berta Sanyi, another villager, remarked, "The women’s forest is our kitchen," underscoring its importance in daily life.
In contrast, The Ecologist focuses on broader themes of indigenous rights and environmental conservation, illustrating how similar struggles are faced by other tribes, such as the Waorani in Ecuador. This comparison emphasizes the global nature of the fight against environmental degradation and the importance of indigenous knowledge in these efforts.
How we got here
The women of Enggros village have relied on the mangrove forest for generations, practicing Tonotwiyat to gather food and resources. However, increasing pollution and development have begun to threaten this vital ecosystem, prompting community efforts to protect it.
More on these topics
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Papua may refer to:
New Guinea, the world's second-largest island in the southwestern Pacific Ocean
Western New Guinea, an Indonesian region comprising the western half of the island of New Guinea
Papua (province), an Indonesian province in the north...