Myanmar's indigenous people use ancestral customs to fight for land


By Agency
Indigenous people in south-eastern Myanmar want to stop poachers, loggers and agribusinesses from laying waste to the globally significant wilderness of Tanintharyi, home to threatened species like tigers and Asian elephants. Photos: dpa

From tying umbilical cords to sacred trees to paying homage to spirits before a hunt, indigenous people in south-eastern Myanmar are tapping ancestral customs to protect the pristine forests they call home.

The rituals are part of an in-depth plan to stop poachers, loggers and agribusinesses from laying waste to the globally significant wilderness of Tanintharyi, which is home to threatened species like tigers and Asian elephants.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In People

New to trail running? Legend Kilian Jornet says, 'go easy and enjoy the view'
Once a scrap metal labourer, now this Malaysian is a neurosurgeon
Working when everyone’s sleeping: Britain’s migrant workers share their stories
Meet the 'polka dancing pirate' getting people on their feet in the US
US volunteer group�investigates paranormal activity�to gather data
Frank Gehry, master architect with a flair for drama, dies at 96
Teen saving India's ponds 'one pond at a time' says everyone can be a leader
'This could have been me': British-Somali boxer pays it forward at refugee camp
Running for a reason: He ran 1770km through 169 towns to help sick children
Miss Universe Malaysia 2025 Chloe Lim is driven by a sense of purpose at upcoming global competition

Others Also Read