Asia Young Indigenous People’s Network (AYIPN)

The Cagayan Valley in the Philippines, is rich in natural resources and has an agricultural economy based on rice corn, sugarcane, banana and coconut. A number of laws are in place to protect the natural environment and the rights of the indigenous people who have lived for centuries on their ancestral land. Despite these laws, indigenous communities are not always protected and in several cases they have come into conflict with mining companies that have caused environmental damages to the region.

The Asia Young Indigenous People’s Network (AYIPN) was established in 2005 as part of the initiative to unite the region’s indigenous people and enable them to defend their ancestral territory and right to self-determination. AYIPN is based in Kurunegala District and was founded by women’s rights activists. The organization seeks our support to mobilize youth groups that can educate their communities on laws and policies to protect their rights. The initiative will build the capacity of over 30 women leaders and 30 youth leaders.