play a supportive role for IP groups to muster their inherent knowledge and strengths, and combine these with tools of technology, research, advocacy and even social media to champion their rights to their ancestral domain and its resources. The issues are complex and many times contentious. This is because we instinctively resist or distrust what we do not understand. As the scoping studies in this journal show, this is true for all parties in the IP-land scenario – whether it is the communities and their leaders, the government, investors and developers. Through the efforts of Land Watch Asia to advocate for accountable land governance in the region, a clearer understanding of the true land situation of the indigenous peoples in each country can emerge. And from that understanding meaningful and constructive action can be taken. “Originating naturally in a particular place.” Indigenous. n Lok Niti 5