Indigenous People’s Lands Rights
Indigenous Peoples have cared for their lands for generations, preserving forests, biodiversity, and culture. But today, their rights are under threat from deforestation, land grabs, and destructive industries.
We stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities to defend their rights to land, life, and self-determination.
Our Approach
Community-led advocacy
We support Indigenous leaders in raising their voices on national and global platforms, amplifying their calls for justice and recognition.
Land rights recognition
We push governments and corporations to respect Indigenous land rights and uphold legal protections. No development should happen without Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
Center justice and equity
Our work is built on long-term partnerships rooted in respect. We recognize Indigenous Peoples as frontline leaders in protecting nature and advancing climate justice.
Our Projects
We use art installations, creative activism, and policy recommendations to expose the real cost of haze pollution and demand long-term solutions. These actions center the voices of communities who are often left behind, those breathing the dirtiest air with the least protection.
Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve
In 2020, plans to develop the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve, home to the Temuan people and already 97% destroyed, sparked mass resistance.
Greenpeace joined Indigenous leaders and the PHSKLU coalition, mobilising 45,000+ objections through legal action, creative resistance, and public pressure.
By November, the Selangor Assembly voted to protect forest reserves. We continue pushing for KLNFR’s full regazettement and permanent protection.
Kampung Kelaik Temiar Land Rights
The Temiar community of Kg Kelaik in Kelantan is fighting to reclaim their ancestral lands after years of harmful encroachment. Pollution and forest destruction have threatened their way of life since 2009.
In 2021, three residents filed a lawsuit against companies and state agencies. The court case is still ongoing. We’ve joined a coalition of civil society allies to support their legal fight and amplify their voices.
This case isn’t just about land. It’s about justice, dignity, and the rights of Indigenous people to protect their home.
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March for the Forest: Billions at stake, forests at risk
Civil Societies demand real funding, real protection, and real accountability for forests in 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).
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High Integrity Forest Finance: Learning from past mistakes in the development of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility
2025 is a critical year for changing course on climate change and biodiversity-loss. As the intersecting crisis of ecology crescendos with the crises of inequality and injustice, we find an opportunity for meaningful action.
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Growing roots of resilience with the Kelaik community
Greenpeace Malaysia and partners joined villagers and Ketua Adat Tata Ahak to launch Kitchen Farming—reviving traditions, protecting land, and growing food security.
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A call for justice in Kelaik customary land rights case
The Kelaik community’s fight for justice is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to uphold Indigenous rights, safeguard Malaysia’s ecological heritage, and prevent the continued erosion of Orang Asli and Asal culture and traditions.
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The whole universe is on a piece of land
Since February 2024, we have been living with indigenous communities in certain areas of Peninsular Malaysia. Merely observing the news does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues they face.
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Together we are part of a growing, global movement determined to bring about the changes our planet desperately needs.