Across Sabah, Indigenous Peoples (Orang Asal) have long managed forests, rivers, wildlife, and water catchments through customary governance systems and traditional ecological knowledge. However, many of these territories remain insufficiently recognised in formal land-use planning, leaving communities vulnerable to logging, plantation expansion, and other forms of resource encroachment.
Under the Transformative Pathways Initiative (2024–2029), supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and implemented by PACOS Trust and community partners, Indigenous communities in Sabah are using community mapping and community-based monitoring to document their territories, strengthen customary governance, and contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Image: Women community members monitor agricultural resources and water quality as part of local ecosystem stewardship and community-based monitoring efforts. Credit: Vailin Binti Abun
The communities
The initiative involves Kadazandusun, Dusun, and Murut Tahol communities across Penampang, Inanam, Keningau, Tambunan, and Tenom districts. Participating villages include Kg. Tampasak, Kg. Babagon Toki, Kg. Kolosunan, Kg. Naukab Bundu, Kg. Rantai, Kg. Alutok, Kg. Mahunsop, Kg. Kaang, and Kg. Tinura.
These communities depend on healthy ecosystems for water, food, livelihoods, cultural practices, and spiritual well-being. Protecting these landscapes is therefore central to both biodiversity conservation and community survival.
Image: Project locations across Sabah, highlighting participating Murut, Dusun, and Kadazandusun communities involved in community mapping and biodiversity conservation initiatives. Credit: PACOS Trust
Mapping territories and cultural landscapes
Community mapping serves as the foundation for Indigenous territorial governance. Through participatory processes, elders, women, youth, farmers, hunters, and village leaders collectively identify customary boundaries, sacred sites, water catchments, agricultural areas, community forests, and historical landmarks.
The process begins with sketch mapping and community discussions before progressing to GPS and GIS-based mapping. By combining Indigenous and Local Knowledge with modern technologies, communities create accurate spatial records that document both ecological and cultural values.
The maps provide evidence of long-standing occupation and stewardship, helping communities clarify territorial boundaries, resolve disputes between neighbouring villages, and communicate their land-use systems to government agencies and external stakeholders.
Monitoring biodiversity through bommunity-based systems
Mapping is complemented by Community-Based Monitoring and Information System (CBMIS), which enables communities to systematically monitor biodiversity and natural resources.
Using digital tools such as KoboCollect, community monitors record information on forest condition, wildlife presence, non-timber forest products, river health, water catchments, and rainfall patterns. Traditional indicators including seasonal changes, species behaviours, and ecological signals known by elders are integrated alongside scientific monitoring methods.
In forest areas, community teams monitor tree growth, medicinal plants, rattan, and bamboo. Wildlife monitoring records animal sightings as well as tracks, sounds, feathers, and other indirect signs. Rivers are monitored through traditional Tagal systems, where communities assess water quality and fish populations to ensure sustainable use.
This information creates a locally owned evidence base that allows communities to track environmental changes over time and respond to emerging threats.
Image: Community members, including women and men, conducting GPS-based field surveys to document customary territories and natural resources. Credit: Filistus Elor @ Francis
Outcomes for biodiversity and community governance
Community mapping and monitoring have generated significant biodiversity and governance benefits.
Maps have helped communities identify and protect high conservation value areas, sacred forests, and critical water catchments. In several villages, mapped information has been used to highlight threats from logging and plantation expansion and to advocate for stronger protection measures.
Monitoring data has strengthened customary governance systems by informing Community Protocols that regulate natural resource use. These protocols establish rules for fishing, forest use, and land management, supported by customary enforcement mechanisms such as sogit (customary fines). Violations can be addressed through community institutions and Native Courts, reinforcing local accountability.
The process has also increased community confidence when engaging government agencies and external actors. By generating credible spatial and ecological data, communities are demonstrating their capacity to manage biodiversity and natural resources effectively.
Lessons learned and moving forward
Several lessons have emerged from the initiative.
First, community ownership of data is essential. Communities are more committed to conservation when they control the information collected and determine how it is used.
Second, Indigenous and Local Knowledge remains a critical foundation for biodiversity monitoring. Combining traditional knowledge with digital technologies produces more robust and culturally relevant information.
Third, inclusive participation strengthens outcomes. Involving women, youth, elders, and resource users helps ensure that mapping reflects diverse knowledge and community priorities.
Finally, community-generated evidence can bridge important biodiversity information gaps and contribute to local, national, and global conservation objectives.
The experience in Sabah demonstrates that Indigenous Peoples are not merely beneficiaries of conservation programmes but are effective custodians of biodiversity. Community mapping and monitoring provide practical tools for documenting customary territories, strengthening governance, protecting ecosystems, and advancing recognition of Indigenous rights.
As governments and conservation actors seek pathways to achieve global biodiversity goals, supporting Indigenous-led territorial governance and monitoring systems offers an effective and equitable approach to conserving biodiversity while sustaining community livelihoods and cultural heritage.
