In Memoriam Leonardo Imbiri

We are very sad about the passing away of LEONARDO IMBIRI, director of YADUPA and secretary General of the Dewan Adat Papua (Papua Customary Council) on November 23, 2024. Leo was a tireless defender of the Indigenous rights of the Papuan people, dedicated to Papua, the land and nation of his ancestors. His action radius was immense. From field projects in Papua, to exchanges with Pacific CSOs, to diplomatic action with the international movement for Indigenous rights. 

Header photo: Doromena, Jayapura Regency, Papua, Indonesia, (c) Asso Myron, Unsplash

For many years and under different programmes, IUCN NL had the privilege to work with Leo and YADUPA. YADUPA was a valued partner in the Ecosystem Alliance and the Shared Resources – Joint Solutions programme. Together with other CSOs like Sawit Watch, Walhi, WARSI and NTFP ID, the programmes aimed at defending customary lands and forests and the improvement of livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. Leo was an inspiration to all of us in this quest for justice for people and planet. 

Leo will be terribly missed. 

We wish his family, friends and allies in the struggle for justice, strength to cope with this loss.