Dubai, known as one of the largest business centers in the Arabian Peninsula. In 2023, they hosted a major event on Climate Future, held annually, namely COP 28. COP 28 was my first COP and I was quite amazed by the situation and processes at the COP event for 8 days starting from December 1, 2023.

COP serves not only as a communication hub for developed and developing countries in arguing the values of climate adaptation and mitigation but also as a platform for many opportunities, exchanges of knowledge/information related to climate change. This annual climate discussion event will determine the direction of the world’s climate future.

Some important processes I noted during COP 28 with diverse issues, I selected several issues relevant to the work approach of HuMa, consisting of:

 

• Elevating Local Knowledge as Major Resource to Strengthen Climate Change Adaptation

Traditional knowledge based on local wisdom values is crucial in the efforts of Adaptation by Indigenous Communities to face Climate Change. The local wisdom values advocated by HuMa were recognized by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) as crucial, thus this issue was highlighted and presented to the public at the Indonesian Pavilion at COP 28. On this occasion, I had the opportunity to present some important values of local wisdom compiled into traditional knowledge.

First, local knowledge in forest management (gilir-balik) which aims to maintain the balance and soil support capacity. The majority of Indigenous Communities in Kalimantan Island have been practicing this management for years and continue to do so. Soil fertility and support capacity are crucial elements in maintaining environmental balance that also affects climate balance.

Second, local knowledge about planting season calendars in Indigenous Communities in Aceh known as Keneunong. Keneunong is a traditional calculation for the planting season used to determine the start of planting and set the agenda for activities of Indigenous Communities in Aceh. This seasonal calendar needs to be preserved conceptually as it impacts the mechanisms of Indigenous Communities in adapting to Climate Change.

 

• Local Communities and Indigenous Platform (Youth Participation)

Since 2019, HuMa has been part of the Platform for Indigenous Communities and Local Communities (Local Communities and Indigenous People)Platform. In 2022, HuMa, together with KLHK, initiated the Youth Forum within the LCIPP together with AIPP in Asia. LCIPP has become one of HuMa’s channels to advocate for equal standing for Indigenous/Local Youth to have the same opportunities in decision-making processes or policies.

In the COP 28 Forum, discussions have progressed towards mechanisms of support that can be provided by the Local Communities and Indigenous Platform (LCIPP) Working Group(FWG). I had the opportunity to attend with fellow RI Delegation (DELRI) to propose what we called the “Crowd Legislation Mechanism”.

Crowd Legislation Mechanism is a mechanism that provides opportunities for Indigenous/Local Youth to contribute ideas in the drafting, participation, and publication of legal products or policies. This mechanism operates in two ways, through off-network and on-network mechanisms. The off-network mechanism explores meetings to reach limited areas with internet connectivity. The on-network mechanism is used to collect and refine ideas into a website published nationally for broader visibility.

The process of advocating and including Crowd Legislation Mechanism will be included in further discussions by the FWG LCIPP scheduled for June 2024 in Bonn. Some peers from Asia have also shown support for the concept as one element to be considered by parties in the FWG LCIPP or future COP sessions.

An interesting note from the discussions which could be a replicable model in Indonesia is the establishment of the National Youth Committee (NYC) by the Philippines. The NYC serves as a platform and organizer for implementing the participation of