Declaration of commitment of the Indigenous Karen People to preserve the wildlife in the Salween River Basin (Way Boo Hta Declaration)

April 30, 2025

Date : April 30, 2025
Place : Salween Peace Park, Mutraw District/ Brigade # 5

The Salween River Basin is endowed with diverse ecosystems, ranging from mixed deciduous, dry dipterocarps, pine, montane to hill evergreen forests. These ecosystems host many globally significant wildlife species. Iconic wildlife species include the Tiger, Dhole, Green Peafowl, Chinese Pangolin, Sunda Pangolin, various Leopard species, Elongated tortoise, Gaur, Eastern Hoolock Gibbon, Great Hornbill, and Grey Peacock Pheasant.

Having these wildlife species co-habiting our ancestral territories reaffirms our Karen identity and reflects our deep relationship with nature, rooted in our traditional belief systems and cultural practices. These traditions allow us to respectfully manage and sustain our natural resources, while maintaining a balance with our neighboring wildlife species and the broader environment.

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