What and who is Kinaiyahan?
Kinaiyahan translates to ‘nature’ in Bisaya. We decided on it as our organization name since we are youth who advocate for climate justice in Mindanao.
The organization aims to forward awareness on climate and environmental issues and their effects on basic sectors like IP, peasants, and other marginalized groups in our country, especially in Mindanao.
Why Mindanao?
Mindanao is known as the Philippines' last frontier due to its vast natural resources. It hosts the country's last remaining old-growth forests that are crucial in absorbing greenhouse gasses and protecting against extreme weather events. The island is home to half of the country's estimated mineral wealth.
This abundance ironically puts the island and its people in precarious situations.
What do we do?
Kinaiyahan prioritizes three general campaigns:
Awareness of the Environmental Situation in Mindanao
Understanding of the Situation of IPs and other Environmental Defenders in Mindanao
Knowledge of Global Effort for Climate Justice
“My advice to the youth is that education and protest actions are not only on the “kapatagan” (urban areas) but also in the “kanayunan” (rural areas). They should also defend the environment and the cause of the oppressed people in the rural areas, particularly the right to preserve their ancestral domain”
— Bai Bibyaon Ligkayan Bigkay, indigenous woman chieftain from Mindanao
Volunteer with us?
If you want to join the fight for climate justice in Mindanao with other youth advocates, you may volunteer for Kinaiyahan below!