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Mongabay

A blueprint for effective activism 10 years after defeating a dam in Borneo (analysis)

A coalition of Indigenous and local communities, supported by international groups, successfully stopped the construction of a large dam on the Baram River in Borneo a decade ago by combining Indigenous-led resistance, scientific research, and global solidarity. The dam project would have flooded vast areas of forest and displaced thousands of people. The campaign's strategies have since inspired similar efforts in other regions. The victory highlighted the importance of local leadership and community-based approaches in environmental activism.

What happened

A coalition of Indigenous and local communities, supported by global activists, stopped a large dam project in Borneo 10 years ago by using a mix of local leadership, scientific research, and international support.

Why it matters

This case shows how combining local knowledge with global solidarity can protect communities and ecosystems from destructive projects, offering a model for future environmental activism.

Why it belongs here

It highlights the power of inclusive, long-term strategies that respect Indigenous rights and ecological balance, providing hope and practical lessons for sustainable change.

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