Samdhana Institute is a non-profit organization, with a vision for a region where natural, cultural and spiritual diversity are valued, and where communities have access, control and responsibility over their territories and well-being. Samdhana is a Sanskrit word which means healing, uniting and peacemaking. It was established in 2003 by a group of environmental and human rights activists and practitioners, who wished to give back to the social and environmental movement. Our mission is to support communities to have clear and secured rights to manage their territories/places and adequate information, recourse to the law, leadership and organizing skills, information/media, funding and technical support for their own development and well-being.

Samdhana’s strategic direction for 2019-2028 is to contribute in addressing the growing inequality in Southeast Asia. Our four goals focus the following: supporting Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in asserting their rights to land and territories, and establish governance and control over their natural resources; support the capacity development of individuals, local organizations and community groups to help nurture the next generation of leaders and activists; contribute to resilience building of communities by supporting community-led innovations for climate adaptation, growing rural livelihoods and green economies, risk reduction and environmental sustainability through an integrated landscape-seascape management; and developing a caring and learning organization that fosters integrated learning and movement building.

Samdhana’s programs are: Grants Program (providing from micro to medium sized grants and urgent action grants); Capacity Development, Lifescape Program, and Policy Support Program. We have offices in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines and in Bogor, Indonesia. We also have ongoing projects in the priority landscapes of Northern Mindanao and Calamianes Islands (Philippines), and Papua.