Last June 2025, Mindanao Climate Justice (MCJ) and the University of York’s Centre for Applied Human Rights (CAHR) hosted a special event for World Environment Day called “Grounded in Mindanao: Youth Voices and Global Solidarity for Climate Justice.” It brought together young researchers, grassroots leaders, and international allies to talk about the deep-rooted climate and human rights issues in Mindanao.
At the heart of the event were two powerful policy briefs written by CAHR interns in partnership with MCJ. These briefs take a close look at how extractive industries, land grabs, and militarization are affecting Indigenous communities in Mindanao—and how local knowledge can lead the way in building real climate solutions.
We’re excited to finally share these briefs with you:
📘 Policy Brief 1: Climate Justice for Mindanao: Centering Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Environmental Protection
By Emily Heiser and Yordanos Asfaw
▶ Looks at how development aggression and red-tagging worsen climate risks, and calls for Indigenous-led, rights-based climate action.
📘 Policy Brief 2: Empowering Indigenous Stewardship to Improve Climate Resilience in Mindanao
By Joe Catto and Harry Rance
▶ Shows how traditional practices by Lumad and Moro communities protect forests, rivers, and food systems—and why land rights must be respected.
These briefs were first presented during our World Environment Day forum, where they sparked powerful conversations with climate advocates from around the world—including a keynote by author Max Ajl.
Now, they’re available to read, share, and use for advocacy. We hope they inspire more action, reflection, and solidarity.
