This phrase refers to land relationships based on ancestral use, cultural practices, and spiritual ties, rather than formal legal titles. Here's how each term breaks down:
How is land defined as traditionally owned
The phrase “traditionally owned” refers to land or territory that has been occupied, used, and cared for by Indigenous communities over generations, based on their customs, spiritual beliefs, and ancestral ties. This form of ownership is rooted in cultural identity and collective stewardship, rather than formal legal titles. It reflects a deep connection to the land, where rights and responsibilities are passed down through oral traditions, rituals, and community governance. In many cases, such ownership is recognized through customary law and affirmed in legal frameworks like the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) in the Philippines.
In what way is land considered to be under traditional managed?
The term traditionally managed refers to land or territory that has been governed and cared for by Indigenous communities using customary laws, practices, and ecological knowledge passed down through generations. This management style is rooted in spiritual beliefs, cultural rituals, and collective responsibility, rather than formal state-imposed systems or modern bureaucratic frameworks.
In this context, land is not just a resource, it’s a living entity that is actively protected, cultivated, and respected through Indigenous governance structures. These include seasonal harvesting, sacred site preservation, rotational farming, and community-led decision-making, all of which contribute to long-term sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
What is the meaning of traditionally occupied?
Traditionally occupied refers to land that has been inhabited, used, and cared for by Indigenous communities over generations, based on their customs, spiritual beliefs, and ancestral relationships. This occupation is not defined by formal legal ownership but by continuous presence and cultural connection, often passed down through oral histories, rituals, and communal practices.
In the Philippines, this concept is recognized under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), which affirms that Indigenous Peoples have rights to territories they have lived in and sustained “since time immemorial.” These lands include forests, watersheds, agricultural areas, and sacred sites that are essential to their identity, survival, and ecological stewardship.