Southeast Asia Research Articles

Study on the Conservation and Development of the Maritime Silk Road in Guangzhou under the Perspective of World Heritage

Guangzhou, as the starting and ending point of the Maritime Silk Road, was the front line for ancient China to realize trade with Southeast Asia, West Asia, India, North Africa, Arab region, Europe, etc. It was the gateway for China to go to the world and the world to go to China, and the bridge of mutual recognition and mingling of economy and culture. This paper focuses on the conservation and development of the Maritime Silk Road in Guangzhou from a world heritage perspective, analyzes the historical value of the Maritime Silk Road in Guangzhou as a cultural heritage, cultural heritage conservation, and the challenges of the conservation process, focuses on the development and sustainability of the Maritime Silk Road, and proposes an integrated conservation and development strategy dominated by community participation, cultural tourism, and sustainable planning.

Wood-based Solid Biofuel in Malaysia: Export Status and Policy Review

The widespread use of fossil fuel has led to severe environmental consequences, such as climate change and pollution. As a remedial response, the global energy landscape has decidedly shifted from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as solar energy and biofuel for bioenergy. As a country rich in resources, Malaysia has had a golden opportunity to dwell on the production of the second-generation biofuel, also known as the wood-based solid biofuel (WBSB). This review paper intends to provide an overview of Malaysia's WBSB production and export industry, focusing on the current export status for the products and the policy frameworks that support the industry in Malaysia. The export status of five WBSB products (wood pellet, briquettes, charcoal, fuelwood, and wood chips or particles) are appraised based on its export status and global ranking. In addition, related biomass or biofuel policy and the effect it has on the progression of the biofuel industry were analyzed and consolidated. The findings show that the biofuel industry in Malaysia, specifically those concerning WBSB is average at best compared to its neighbors in Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Indonesia in the export of wood pellets and charcoal, respectively. However, in recent years, Malaysia has become increasingly competitive in the export of pellets and chips, which are becoming one of the top 10 global exporters. Furthermore, government policies and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable forestry practices and stimulating the bioenergy sector have facilitated the growth of the biofuel industry, such as the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS) IV of the National Biomass Action Plan. In general, this review outlines the current export state of WBSB products, while highlighting the key policies that govern biomass and biofuel production to identify areas for potential improvement to enhance competitiveness and sustainability in Malaysia's biofuel industry.

Influence of changes in anthropogenic and natural sources on global aerosol optical depth during COVID-19 lockdown: Ground-based observations, satellites, models

We analyze, in this study, for the first time, multi-source data - high-quality ground-based observations (Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET)) and satellite (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI)) data in combination with two high resolution model (Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications-2 (MERRA-2) and Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS)) outputs, and examine the changes in aerosol optical depth (AOD) across the globe during Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) lockdown (2020) period. Statistical significance of the change in aerosol characteristics (AOD and species AODs) from normal (2017–2019 mean) to COVID (2020) period is calculated by two-tailed Student's t-test. AERONET AODs decreased by 20–40% during peak lockdown period in spring and summer of 2020 in most locations across the globe, and these changes are statistically significant. The observed magnitude of changes (increase/decrease) are consistent between AERONET and MODIS. Both global models (MERRA-2 and CAMS) capture well, observed AOD changes. OMI absorbing aerosol index captures increases in carbonaceous aerosols due to wildfires and dust. Global analysis reveals that changes in total AOD and species AODs are highest, and statistically significant during spring over Middle East, South and East Asia. Among all regions, change in dust AOD is maximum over South Asia during spring (>75%; −0.04 decrease in dust AOD in −0.05 change in total AOD) which is statistically significant. Black carbon (BC) and sea salt contribute ≤10% to AOD across the globe. Decrease in BC AOD is maximum over South Asia (50%) during spring 2020 providing a direct evidence for the impact of applied restrictions on anthropogenic activities. Decrease in AOD over North America, Europe, Russia, Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and South East Asia led to global decrease in AOD. This quantitative documentation of changes in AODs due to reduction in aerosol components/species, their regional and seasonal variations are crucial in planning and supporting future mitigation efforts.

Analysis of Interfaith Marriage Legality in Indonesia and South East Asia Countries

Interfaith marriage in Indonesia is still a problem in Indonesia which is supported by multiple interpretations of regulations. The author in this article will discuss the analysis of interfaith marriage in Indonesia after the issuance of SEMA Number 2 of 2023. This article was made with the aim of analyzing and comparing regulations in Indonesia with other countries. The results of the study show that after the issuance of SEMA, the practice of interfaith marriage still occurs in Indonesia, which is also supported by the lack of government firmness in establishing the applicable regulations.

Vietnamese young consumers’ green purchase behavior: Does green trust matter?

It is crucial to practice environmentally responsible purchasing since impulsive purchases can damage the environment. Green purchase behavior (GP) can help consumers lessen their environmental impact. An integrated structural model of GP was developed by drawing on postulates from the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). A total of 302 Vietnamese university students were surveyed using the snowball sampling method. It was found through structural equation modeling (SEM) that there is a significant association between perceived severity (PS), perceived vulnerability (PV), and GP. The relationship between PS, PV, and GP is mediated by attitude toward green purchase (ATT). Also, green trust (GTR) plays a significant moderating role in the PV and GP relationship. The findings, including the correlations between the variables, provide credence to the suggested theoretical framework. Since studies on environmental problems and green purchasing behavior are still in their early stages, this work helps fill a gap in our understanding of the phenomenon in the context of Vietnam, a developing Southeast Asian economy. This research may help manufacturers and marketers of green products encourage the use of their products to improve environmentally friendly and sustainable behavior. The findings suggest marketers and manufacturers should emphasize environmental pollution's perceived severity and vulnerability. It is also critical to establish consumers' trust in green marketing.

Clinical and laboratory comparison of severe (Group B and C) Dengue cases with molecular characterization from 2019 epidemics in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Acute arboviral infections like dengue have a significant negative socioeconomic and health impact on many tropical and subtropical areas of the world. About 3.9 billion Individuals are at risk of contracting the dengue virus and Asia bears the brunt of that load. Bangladesh, like other south-east Asian countries faced a massive outbreak of dengue in 2019. This cross sectional study was done in three tertiary care centers in Dhaka, Bangladesh during this worst outbreak of dengue. The study was conducted from 1st July to 31st December, 2019 with an aim to describe the clinical and laboratory variations among severe dengue cases and to conduct a serotype survey. This might help to understand the future changes in the clinical or serological profile of this virus. The study enrolled 1978 participants who were grouped into group B (Patients with warning signs or risk factors who should be admitted for close observation as they approach critical phase) and C (Patients having severe plasma leakage leading to dengue shock and/or fluid accumulation with respiratory distress, severe organ impairment and severe metabolic abnormalities) according to national guidelines. Furthermore, 81 samples were serotyped using Qiagen One step RT-PCR kit (Cat. No: 210212). In addition sequencing (ABI sequencing platform) of partial C-prM gene of five DENV-3 isolates were done and analyzed (BLAST tool of NCBI) for phylogenetics (MEGA6 software package). Among the 1978 enrolled participants group B and C patients were 1580 (80%) and 398 (20%) respectively. The median (IQR) age of the patients were 26(11 to 41). Maximum proportion of the enrolled were male (72.3%) (p = 0.0002). Most common co- morbidities were hypertension (90; 4.5%) and DM (70; 3.5%). Group C patients more commonly presented with vomiting (p 0.133), diarrhea (p<0.0001) and abdominal pain (p 0.0203). The common mode of bleeding was melaena (12%). Thirteen (0.7%) patients succumbed to death, 12 of them belonged to group B who mostly presented with GI manifestations (99.9%) and melaena (12%). Only 5.6% of the cases were secondarily infected. In group C cases low hemoglobin and hematocrit was observed with high AST (p 0.004, 0.006 and 0.0016 respectively). Fluid requirement was also more in the same group (p<0.0001). Group B patients had a higher platelet requirement (p = 0.0070). Twelve patients (0.7%) required ICU. The management profile of these cases are showcased here which highlights minimal use of antibiotics and no application of steroids, which abides by the current national protocol. Furthermore, 81 samples from enrolled participants were serotyped and majority (79%) yielded DENV-3, followed by DENV 2 & 3 co-infection (13.6%) and DENV-2 alone (7.4%). Following phylogenetic analysis DENV-3 and DENV2 were deemed to be of genotype I and cosmopolitan variety respectively. This study presents the first instance of heterogeneous co-infection with several serotypes since 2000 in Bangladesh. It also gives an overview of serotype prevalence, management evaluation and clinical results that promises to navigate future control planning.

Application of Bicadinane Biomarkers in Oil Spill Fingerprinting Studies Involving Southeast Asian Oils

Bicadinanes (C30H52) are a family of non-hopanoid, pentacyclic triterpane biomarkers whose utility in oil spill fingerprinting has, to our knowledge, not been previously explored. Owing to their derivation from Diptocarpaceae tree (dammar) resin, crude oils containing bicadinanes are geographically and temporally limited to Southeast Asian oils sourced from Oligocene or younger strata. Bicadinane-bearing oils produced from Southeast Asia, however, are shipped worldwide and thereby bicadinanes may be present in oils spilled both within and outside of Southeast Asia. Bicadinanes’ relative or absolute concentrations are readily measured using a standard oil spill identification analytical method (GC/MS-SIM) that routinely targets more conventional biomarkers (triterpanes, steranes, and aromatic steroids). In this study, the absolute concentrations of four bicadinane isomers (W, T, T1 and R) were measured in 42 tarballs collected from shorelines along the southern extent of the Straits of Singapore, an area with very high oil tanker and cargo vessel traffic. The tarballs’ specific origins are unknown but safely presumed to be derived from various unknown oil spills and/or oil seeps in the region. GC/FID was used to classify the tarball oils’ level of biodegradation (Levels 1, 4, and 6). The absolute concentration of total bicadinanes ranged from 7.5 to 208 µg/g and varied widely and independent of the level of biodegradation. The relative concentrations among the four bicadinane isomers (T > W>T1∼R; on average, 56% > 20% > 12% each) also showed no obvious or statistically significant trend with biodegradation for the samples studied. Thus, variations in both total and individual isomer concentrations are attributable to the tarballs’ multiple crude oil sources spilled or seeped in the study area. Diagnostic ratios (DRs) are critical components in oil spill identification protocols. A newly proposed DR of (W + T)/hopane varied widely (0.01 to 0.54) and also independently from the more conventionally used DR of 18α(H)-oleanane/hopane (oleanane/hopane; 0.04 to 0.42). Two newly proposed DRs among the four bicadinane isomers, W/T and T/(T1 + R), also varied among the 42 tarball oils studied (0.27 to 0.45 and 1.4 to 3.2, respectively). The variation in the (W + T)/hopane, oleanane/hopane, W/T and T/(T1 + R) ratios was unrelated to the level of biodegradation for the samples studied and exceeded the statistical criteria used in the CEN (2012) oil spill identification protocol (i.e., 95% repeatability limit) and thereby demonstrates these DRs’ utility in comparing and distinguishing among different crude oils containing bicadinanes – and, of course, between crude oils that do and do not contain bicadinanes. The additional specificity offered by bicadinanes argues they should be included as target analytes in oil spill identification studies throughout Southeast Asia or in other areas where Southeast Asian oils are believed to be present (shipped, handled, or used).

Exploring the potential of dental calculus to shed light on past human migrations in Oceania

The Pacific islands and Island Southeast Asia have experienced multiple waves of human migrations, providing a case study for exploring the potential of ancient microbiomes to study human migration. We perform a metagenomic study of archaeological dental calculus from 102 individuals, originating from 10 Pacific islands and 1 island in Island Southeast Asia spanning ~3000 years. Oral microbiome DNA preservation in calculus is far higher than that of human DNA in archaeological bone, and comparable to that of calculus from temperate regions. Oral microbial community composition is minimally driven by time period and geography in Pacific and Island Southeast Asia calculus, but is found to be distinctive compared to calculus from Europe, Africa, and Asia. Phylogenies of individual bacterial species in Pacific and Island Southeast Asia calculus reflect geography. Archaeological dental calculus shows good preservation in tropical regions and the potential to yield information about past human migrations, complementing studies of the human genome.

Long-term distribution and evolution trends of absorption aerosol optical depth with different chemical components in global and typical regions

Different types of atmospheric aerosols have different climatic effects. In this study, MERRA-2 reanalysis data of absorption aerosol optical depth (AAOD) products at 550 nm from 1980 to 2018 were used to analyse the long-term distribution characteristics and evolution trends of the AAOD of different chemical components globally and in 12 typical study areas. We also analysed the seasonal and interannual monthly variations of the different chemical components of AAOD. In the 40-year study period from 1980 to 2018, the maximum value of total AAOD (TAAOD) appears in the southern regions of SD (Sahara Desert), CSA (Central Southern Africa), NC (Northern China), SC (Southern China), and SEA (Southeastern Asia) (> 0.040). The highest value of dust AAOD (DUAAOD) is in SD (0.030–0.040), and the contribution rate reaches 80 %; while in SC, SEA, and AMZ, black carbon AAOD (BCAAOD) contributes 80 %–90 %. The high-value area of DUAAOD in SD-ME-NWC expands in spring, and the dust belt formed in summer results in a larger DUAAOD (> 0.050). The proportion of BCAAOD in autumn and winter is larger in the dust belt, which is another major contributor to AAOD in this region. The monthly distributions of TAAOD in SEA, CSA, NC, and AMZ are mainly affected by biomass combustion, while the DU in ME (Middle East), NWC (Northwestern China), and SD has a greater effect on AAOD, and the TAAOD in NEA (Northeastern Asia), WEU (Western Europe), EUS (Eastern United States), SC, SA (Southern Asia), and other regions is mainly affected by both DU and BC + OC (in which OC refers to organic carbon). The interannual variations of BCAAOD and OCAAOD tend to be flat before 2000, and then show an increasing trend. BCAAOD has the largest relative contribution (at about 60 %), followed by DUAAOD (at about 30 %), and then OCAAOD has the smallest contribution (at less than 10 %). From a global perspective, AAOD shows different increasing trends during 1980–2018, 1980–1992, and 1993–2005, and decreases or even completely reverses during 2006–2018. This paper provides the distribution characteristics and evolutionary trends of different chemical components of AAOD, which can improve scientific understanding of global- and regional-scale aerosols and their climatic effects.

The Impact of Community-Based Health Education on Maternal Health Outcomes in Rural Southeast Asia

Community-based health education has emerged as an effective strategy to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly in underserved rural areas with limited access to health services. These programs address critical gaps in prenatal care, birth preparedness, and postnatal health practices, empowering women to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. This research aims to determine the impact of culturally tailored community-based health education programs on maternal health outcomes in rural areas of Southeast Asia, with a focus on improving access to prenatal care, birth readiness, and postnatal care practices. Methods A mixed methods approach was used, integrating quantitative health records analysis with qualitative insights from interviews with participants in targeted rural communities. This dual methodology provided a comprehensive understanding of the program's effectiveness and cultural relevance. Results showed that regular health education sessions significantly improved maternal health outcomes. Communities exposed to these programs reported higher rates of attendance at antenatal check-ups, increased skilled attendance during delivery, and better adherence to postpartum care recommendations. These improvements were instrumental in reducing maternal and newborn mortality and improving overall health in this population. This research implicates the important role of culturally sensitive health education in bridging maternal health disparities in rural areas of Southeast Asia. By integrating local customs and beliefs into health messages, these programs foster community trust and engagement, thereby increasing their acceptance and effectiveness.

Comparative Study of Knowledge and Technology Achievements as Innovations Outputs in Southeast Asia: Implications for Public Policy

Comparative Study of Knowledge and Technology Achievements as Innovations Outputs in Southeast Asia: Implications for Public Policy

Modeling the impacts of open biomass burning on regional O3 and PM2.5 in Southeast Asia considering light absorption and photochemical bleaching of Brown carbon

Open biomass burning in Southeast Asia has significant adverse impacts on air quality in the region and in downwind areas. These biomass burning events emit large amounts of light absorbing brown carbon (BrC). Once in the atmosphere, the light absorbing capacity of BrC is reduced by various oxidation processes. However, few modeling studies have been conducted to explicitly examine light absorption and bleaching on the prediction of ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). In this study, a modified Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model that explicitly tracks the concentrations of light absorbing and non-light absorbing organic aerosol components from different emission sources and the bleaching of BrC due to photooxidation and OH oxidation is applied to widespread open biomass burning events in March 2018 in Southeast Asia. Open biomass burning accounts for as much as 20–40 ppb (30–50%) of the maximum daily average 8-h ozone (MDA8 O3) and 40–120 μg m−3 (60–90%) of the daily average PM2.5 in the emission source regions. Compared to a simulation without BrC light absorption, the predicted MDA8 O3 and PM2.5 are as much as 16 ppb and 16 μg m−3 lower, respectively, than a simulation with light absorption. This confirms that neglecting the UV light absorption of BrC can lead to significant overpredictions of O3 and PM2.5 during the open biomass burning periods, which may lead to an overestimation of the adverse impacts of biomass burning on public health in Southeast Asia. The addition of BrC bleaching results in a 0.5–1% increase in MDA8 O3 and 1–5% increase in PM2.5 compared to the case without BrC bleaching. The results of this study indicate that light absorption by BrC needs to be considered in chemical transport modeling of large open biomass burning events. The BrC bleaching process is relatively slow and neglecting this process does not significantly change the predictions of MDA8 O3 and PM2.5 during open biomass burning.

Developing Intercultural Competence Through Short-Term Exchange Programs in Southeast Asia: Insights from Vietnamese Students

ABSTRACT This study investigates intercultural competence development in Vietnamese students during short-term exchanges in Southeast Asia. It examines the challenges faced, strategies used to overcome them, and their impact on students’ cultural perceptions and competencies. Using reflective journals and interviews with 19 undergraduates from Vietnam, the research documents their experiences in Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Despite struggles with adjusting to new cultural norms, homesickness, and language barriers, strategies like cultural immersion, support networks, and proactive communication are employed, enhancing personal growth and cultural understanding. The findings advocate for comprehensive support in exchange programs and contribute to the discourse on international education and intercultural competence, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Impact of scaling up health intervention coverage on reducing maternal mortality in 26 low- and middle-income countries: A modelling study.

Prioritising actions is urgently needed to address the stagnation of the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR). As most maternal deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), we aimed to assess the impact of scaling up health intervention coverage on reducing MMR under four scenarios for 26 LMICs. We conducted a modelling study to estimate the MMR and additional maternal lives saved by intervention by 2030 for 26 LMICs using the Lives Saved Tool (LiST). We used four scenarios to assess the impact of scaling up health intervention coverage by no scale-up (no change), modest scale-up (increased by 2% per year), substantial scale-up (increased by 5% per year), and universal coverage (coverage reached 95% by 2030). We divided the selected 26 countries into three groups according to their MMR levels in 2020. Among 26 LMICs, six (23.1%) countries showed an increase in MMRs and 13 (50.0%) stalled on the reduction of MMR from 2015 to 2020. Under a substantial scale-up of coverage or scaling up to universal coverage, the average MMR in 2030 of 26 LMICs would be 62.8 or 52.8, reaching the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1. Caesarean delivery, uterotonics for postpartum haemorrhage, and assisted vaginal delivery had a more important role in this reduction compared to other interventions. Scaling up the coverage of health interventions is critical for reducing MMRs. If a substantial scale-up or scaling up to universal coverage of continuous maternity interventions from preconception to postpartum period can be achieved, LMICs in Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions could reach the SDG 3.1 on time.

Rolling in Modernity

Abstract This article addresses the development of General Motors’ assembly plant in the port of Tanjung Priok in Batavia/Jakarta, Indonesia. The American multinational operated the plant—its first production line in Southeast Asia—between 1927 and 1955. General Motors gave impetus to Tanjung Priok’s economic importance, and it became a key element in the port’s ‘social-economic fabric’. Car manufacturing was considered a new phenomenon within the colonial economy of the Netherlands Indies, which had previously been largely agricultural/plantation-based. The company brought along new technologies and ways of organizing; it also advertised—for instance, via the company magazine GM World—the idea of free trade and actively tried to distinguish itself from the colonial establishment. However, this critical stance should not be overstated; as this article shows, General Motors was introducing alternative corporate perspectives and modern industrial elements in the Netherlands Indies but also became part of the Western colonial system.

Revisiting the Link Between HLA-DRB1 Alleles and Autoantibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Association of non-Shared Epitope Alleles *09 and *15 With High Levels of Anti-Citrullinated Peptide/Protein Antibodies.

Autoantibodies serve as essential clinical biomarkers and may indicate etiological mechanisms in rheumatic diseases. In light of the increasing knowledge concerning the diversity and biologic implications of anti-citrullinated peptide/protein antibodies (ACPAs), we have re-evaluated the association between the ACPA response and the HLA-DRB1 allelic groups, known to represent a major genetic risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We explored a collection of 4,392 well-characterized incident patients with RA of White European descent from the Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis (EIRA) new-onset RA study, as well as 1,199 cases of patients with RA of Southeast Asian origin from the Malaysian EIRA study. We focused on a quantitative analysis of the levels of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide IgG antibodies, including those falling below the diagnostic threshold. Our data show that non-shared epitope alleles HLA-DRB1*09 and *15 exhibit significant associations with ACPA levels. Notably, these novel associations were independent of ethnicity. To validate our findings, we conducted an additional replication study in an independent pool of 4,109 patients with RA of White European origin. These results indicate a new, previously overlooked, role for the HLA locus in the regulation of the levels of ACPA RA-specific autoantibodies that goes beyond the shared epitope-defined gene variants.

Southeast Asian Islam: Integration and Indigenisation, by Nasr M. Arif and Abbas Panakkal (eds)

Southeast Asian Islam: Integration and Indigenisation, by Nasr M. Arif and Abbas Panakkal (eds)

The Meaning of the Milk Tea Protests

Abstract Since the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, the world has witnessed an era of protest. Nearly every corner of the globe has been impacted by protest diffusion. East and Southeast Asia have been no different, with recent pro-democracy revolts and movements in Thailand (2020) and Myanmar (2021–present) having been partially inspired by mass pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong (2014 and 2019) and Taiwan (2014). The virtual alliance that sprouted between protesters and activists across these polities was dubbed the Milk Tea Alliance. This article takes a comparative approach and explores the commonalities of the protests and their participants across the four locales. It argues that the shared political experiences and developments run much deeper than the hashtag alliance and therefore should be understood as part of a transformative regional protest wave that requires further exploration.

Factors influencing the global invasion of the South American weedy species Praxelis clematidea (Asteraceae): a niche shift and modelling-based approach

Abstract Praxelis clematidea is a relatively unknown herb native to South America that has spread globally over the past four decades. In this study, we integrate ecological niche modelling (ENM) and niche shift analyses to understand its distribution, test niche conservatism hypotheses, and identify potential invasion sites under different climate change scenarios. In its native range, P. clematidea prefers climates with mild annual temperatures and winters. This species shows a great potential to continue spreading. Probable invasion sites include northern South America, Central America, India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Future climate projections suggest increase of potential distribution in tropical regions and decrease in temperate areas. Niche conservatism was evident, although invaded areas in Asia and Australia showed slight niche expansion towards warmer climates, probably explained by ecological factors such as competition. Our results show that integrating occurrences from both native and invaded ranges in ENM models enhances predictability, even when niche is conserved. The combination of niche shift studies and ENM provides better insight into species invasion dynamics, resulting in the recognition of high-risk invasion areas that combined with the rapid access to new occurrences provided by citizen science platforms can result in early detection and lead to better management strategies.

Fluid Ontologies: Colonial Legacies and an Indigenous Oceanic Worldview in the Sulu Archipelago

In recent decades in Southeast Asia, dramatic social, economic and political changes have profoundly impacted the lives of Indigenous populations. In Malaysia, the Sama Dilaut, known as the “sea nomads,” are under pressure to abandon their traditional way of living at a time of rapid modernization. Over centuries, the Sama Dilaut have developed a harmonious relationship with their environment, practicing sustainable small-scale fishing methods that have minimal impact on marine ecosystems. In their worldview, humans are not considered exceptional but interconnected with the ocean and species that inhabit it. This contrasts with the Western-centric worldview, where nature-culture dualism prevails, viewing humans as separate from nature and encouraging exploitative attitudes toward the environment. This article outlines and acknowledges the value of the Sama Dilaut culture, knowledge of the sea and struggles against dominant power structures. It advocates for recognizing Indigenous rights to ancestral lands and seas and integrating Indigenous knowledge and communities in conservation practices. These goals are essential for achieving justice for Indigenous peoples and offer significant potential in the search for alternative approaches to combating climate change.