Approaches for engaging with Indigenous knowledge processes and holders for disaster risk resilience: The case of the Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve, Malaysia

There is an urgent need for a paradigm shift to recognise Indigenous worldviews, knowledge, and practices in disaster risk reduction (DRR), to respond to risks exacerbated by climate extremes and slow onset events. The overall aim of this project is to develop approaches and tools that foster genuinely collaborative Indigenous/non-Indigenous research partnerships in ways that facilitate Indigenous Peoples reviving and strengthening their Indigenous worldviews, knowledge, and practices and applying them to DRR. The study will be implemented over 18 months with Orang Asli (Jakun) Indigenous Peoples in the Tasik Chini UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Malaysia, where members of the project team have long-term established collaborations and trusted relationships with local organisations and communities. The study will adopt participatory and empowering approaches that are in line with the cultural practices of Orang Asli Peoples, including arts-based approaches, participatory mapping, and knowledge exchange dialogues.

Research Team: Dr Pamela Katic, University of Greenwich; Dr Iffah Farhana, Universiti Teknologi MARA; Dr Nurfashareena Muhamad, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia