For the “little peoples” - a reference to both physical stature and political clout - loss of the rainforests to loggers and oil palm plantations has been a high price to pay for bio-fuel production.
Malaysia: The Penan of Borneo
Published June 14, 2011
The Penan people are little in stature, little in number and little in the eyes of the government.
Gentle former nomads, the Penan are now on the frontline of a struggle to save the last unprotected rainforest of Sarawak. They are up against the Goliaths of Malaysian logging, multi-billion dollar conglomerates advancing on the last of Sarawak’s virgin forests, and leaving behind a wasteland of palm oil plantations.
Join the Pulitzer Center for a film screening and discussion on the impact of natural resource extraction on the environment, indigenous populations, public health and corporate responsibility.
The Asia Society interviews James Whitlow Delano about his reporting on deforestation, palm oil production and its effect on indigenous people in Malaysia.
Gateways
Grantee
James Whitlow Delano has lived in Asia for 17 years. His work has been recognized internationally: the Alfred Eisenstadt Award (from Columbia University and Life Magazine), Leica’s Oskar...
