Impact stories
Ranu Welum Wins UNDP’s 2025 Equator Prize for Indigenous-Led Environmental and Cultural Advocacy
Founded in Central Kalimantan, this women and youth-led Indigenous organisation empowers Dayak communities through forest conservation, cultural preservation, and media. Its programs have mobilised over 1,000 youth, protected 3,000 hectares of forest, restored peatlands, and trained women firefighters. Through storytelling, education, and inclusive governance, Ranu Welum is driving Indigenous-led sustainable development and climate action in Indonesia.
The devastating impact of SUCs and why we’re working to turn trash into real-world impact
From an aluminium can at a music festival in Australia to the forests of Indonesia, this article reveals how single-use consumption links distant lives—disproportionately harming Indigenous communities and ecosystems. Discover the hidden costs of convenience, and how circular economy initiatives can help restore justice and balance.
Rooted in Tradition, Rising with Purpose: The Mentawai Cultural Arts & Education Centre
In the heart of the Mentawai Islands, off the west coast of Sumatra, a long-held dream is beginning to take physical shape. After more than 15 years of dedicated grassroots work, the Suku Mentawai team has reached a powerful milestone: the realisation of a permanent space for cultural arts, education and community connection.
A struggle to keep the Dayak flame alive in Borneo
For many generations, our people have practiced manugal – a traditional method of burning land to plant rice. Manugal is an integral part of Dayak culture and knowledge. Our people knew when it was appropriate to burn the land, ensuring the fire did not spread to other areas.
Celebrating Indigenous connections across the Asia-Pacific through the power of storytelling
One facet of IEF’s mission is to support Indigenous peoples across the Asia-Pacific to build robust networks between different Indigenous groups. KIIFF is one such intersect where our partner organisations, Ranu Welum and YPBM, are building connections and advancing collective efforts in advocating for Indigenous rights amongst their communities and beyond.
IEF supports the 2030 UN
Sustainable Development Goals
and Declaration on the Rights
of Indigenous Peoples.
ACN: 168 130 096
ABN: 57 168 130 096