27 March 2027 – From 17th to 18th March 2025, community members of the Kheshorter Community Forest in northern Salween Peace Park held an annual meeting in Paw Law Pu, Luthaw Township, Mutraw District, Kawthoolei. Around 70 people attended, including community members from 15 villages, leaders from the Luthaw township and Mutraw district Karen National Union, the KESAN’s Women Research Team, Kheshorter Community Forest rangers, and KESAN staff.
During the meeting, several key issues came up, including a proposal to convert one of the community-managed areas within this forest into a fully protected wildlife area, as well as the creation of an ecotourism site in this proposed location. In the past, the local villagers could cultivate, hunt unprotected animals and extract Non-Timber Forest Products (NTIPs) in this section. Creating designated areas will enhance wildlife protection and generate new livelihood opportunities for the community communities.
Currently, the Kheshorter Community Forest, the biggest community forest in Kawthoolei, has two wildlife protected areas: one in the northwest and one in the southwest. The proposed plan will connect the two protected areas, creating a larger protected area for wildlife while also leaving the beautiful place locally known as “Paw Law Pu” within the area for ecotourism purposes to enjoy nature and wildlife.
Saw Wee Eh Htoo, Wildlife & Monitoring Patrolling Officer from KESAN, said,
“Paw Law Pu is a historical site surrounded by plains, rivers, and forests. Thanks to its natural beauty, it has already attracted many visitors. By integrating the wildlife protection mechanism with ecotourism, visitors can enjoy relaxation and observe wildlife, local birds, and fish.”
The plans to designate the wildlife protected area and establish an ecotourism area are directly interconnected. The proposed wildlife protected area will solidify ecotourism plans as the wildlife population will increase and become friendlier due to responsible behaviour. On the other hand, ecotourism, as a sustainable form of recreation, will promote wildlife protection and, through these values, will attract more visitors, benefiting the local economy. In addition, such strategic plan will scale up community capacities in forest and wildlife management.
Saw Moo Rer, head of Kawthoolei Fishery and Livestock Department, Luthaw Township said,
“The proposed plans will open many livelihood opportunities for our communities. We can set up a small shop where we will be able to promote and sell our locally grown agricultural products and preserved vegetables like cucumber, mustard leaves, dry chilli, dry turmeric and many others. It will also support the Karen National Union through paying some taxes.”
At the end of the meeting, the communities decided to draft rules and regulations to manage the ecotourism site, demarcate the proposed wildlife protected areas and ecotourism area, and build the necessary buildings in the coming years.
Saw Blaw Htoo, Wildlife and Forest Research Expert from KESAN, who played a crucial role in the establishment of Kheshorter forest, said;
“Some visitors already came but left unnecessary trash in Paw Law Pu due to the lack of rules and regulations. We also don’t have time to clear their trash. By formally establishing ecotourism site with clear rules and regulations, we will be able to manage this area more sustainably. We need to set rules that are harmonious with our local culture and beliefs. We have our own culture and values, and anyone visiting our place must follow some rules. We must also write down how the communities will share the benefits.”
Padoh Saw Blut Wah, chairperson of Luthaw Township also said;
“Some may believe it’s too soon for this plan, but I feel it’s not too early since we can’t execute it quickly. We will also have to look at the conflict situation and act accordingly. There are no more Burma military bases in nearby areas. The only concern is Burma’s military airstrike, but we can make plans to mitigate security risks. Many elements and mechanisms can support our struggle for self-determination, amplifying community resilience, and this is one of them. Nowadays, many countries offer nature-based ecotourism, which cultivates the dignity and enhances the identity of these countries. This approach also shows our capabilities and affirms our commitment to self-determination.”
The Kheshorter Community Forest is located west of Lu Thaw Township, Mutraw (Papun) District, Salween Peace Park and east of Mon Township of Klerlweehtoo (Nyaunglaybin) District of Kawthoolei in Burma. The forest is under the collective governance, protection and management of fifteen (15) indigenous Karen communities living in three village tracts, namely Kay Pu, Ler Mu Plaw, and Saw Mu Plaw of Mutraw District.
