“When we lose traditional knowledge, we lose part of our climate solution.”
Into the Heart of Mulu
Hidden deep within the lush greenery of Sarawak’s Mulu region lies Kampung Long Terawan, a small Berawan village that time seems to have gently brushed by. Surrounded by towering trees, limestone hills, and the winding Tutoh River, the village offers a glimpse into a way of life that is becoming increasingly rare.
To reach Long Terawan, we took a speedboat from Mulu town – there are no proper roads. The journey by river takes over an hour and reveals just how remote and cut off the community is. Power here comes only from solar panels, and mobile phone coverage is patchy at best. Yet the people are welcoming, and their connection to the forest remains strong, even as the outside world continues to move forward at lightning speed.
Searching for Plant-Based Knowledge
My research team and I travelled to Long Terawan with a clear purpose: to document traditional medicinal plant knowledge from the Berawan community before it disappears. This knowledge, passed down orally through generations, has guided the community in treating illnesses, performing rituals, and living in harmony with the forest.
But, as in many other rural Sarawak villages, we found that this wisdom is slowly fading. Many young people have moved to cities like Miri and Bintulu for better job opportunities. Only a handful of elders remain in the village, still practising what they can remember.
We managed to gather some stories – about roots used to ease fever, bark applied to wounds, and leaves used for ritual cleansing. But these are just fragments of what was once a rich and living body of knowledge. Without urgent documentation and support, this heritage may soon be lost forever.
Why This Matters for the Planet
Beyond cultural preservation, this work holds global significance – especially in the face of climate change. Forests like those surrounding Long Terawan are not just homes to trees and wildlife; they are carbon sinks, water regulators, and reservoirs of genetic diversity. The plants used by indigenous communities could hold answers to modern health challenges or even help develop climate-resilient crops.
As a Global Ambassador of Sustainability, I believe that indigenous knowledge is part of the solution to today’s environmental crisis. These communities practise sustainable living – they take only what they need, know when to harvest, and understand how to let nature regenerate. Their wisdom aligns closely with what the sustainability movement now promotes: circular practices, low-carbon living, and biodiversity protection.
A Call to Action
Our visit to Long Terawan is just the beginning. We plan to continue this research in other Berawan villages, where more knowledge may still exist. But time is not on our side.
Preserving traditional medicinal knowledge is not just about honouring the past – it’s about protecting our future. These ancient teachings, rooted in nature, can guide us toward a more balanced and climate-conscious way of living.
Long Terawan may be far from the urban rush, but its voice carries a global message: to save the forest is to save ourselves.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at ab_fauziah@upm.edu.my.
Forest Knowledge and Climate Action
• Traditional Medicinal Plants
Indigenous groups in Sarawak use hundreds of forest plants to treat fevers, infections, pain, and spiritual ailments.
• Climate Link
Healthy forests store carbon, regulate rainfall, and reduce the impacts of climate change. Protecting them means protecting our planet.
• Loss of Knowledge = Loss of Biodiversity
When traditional plant knowledge disappears, the motivation to conserve local species may fade too.
• Sustainability Begins at the Roots
Indigenous communities practice low-impact living – no waste, minimal carbon footprints, and a deep respect for nature.
