Coral Triangle
People
The Ubians have traditionally been a nomadic, seafaring people, depending on the sea for trade and subsistence fishing. They reside on and around islands in the Southern Philippines, as well as around Kudat and Semporna in Sabah, Malaysia. Often living in houses erected on stilts, Ubian people travel using handmade boats which they sometimes live in. They make a living from fishing, agriculture, boat-making, while some work as civil servants. With the growth in trade of trepang, or sea cucumber, Ubians have recently expanded their presence in the region.
On the east coast of Borneo, many Ubians have kept their seaborne lifestyle, along with the relics of traditional pre-Islamic beliefs. Some revere local sea spirits known as Jinn. Among the boat-dwellers in particular, community spirit mediums are consulted at least once a year for a public séance and nightly trance dancing.
The Bajau
The Bajau, (also written as Badjao, Badjaw or Badjau) are an indigenous ethnic group of Malaysia, the southern Philippines and Indonesia. Traditionally, the Bajau have been a nomadic, seafaring people, living off the sea by trading and subsistence fishing. They travel in lepa-lepa, handmade boats, which many lived in. In recent times, the Bajau have become more sedentary, establishing small villages along the shoreline and living in houses that are built on stilts.
-
Take Action
Protect our oceans and marine resources by urging the President and the Senate to work to ratify the Law of the Sea Convention.
-
Adopt a Turtle
Make a symbolic turtle adoption to help save some of the world's most endangered animals from extinction and support WWF's conservation efforts.
