In July 2026, community forest committee members from across the Salween Peace Park gathered in two locations to strengthen their skills and share experiences in community forest management. The two five-day trainings brought together 92 participants, including representatives from 20 community forests, forest rangers, and staff from the Kawthoolei Forestry Department (KFD), Salween Peace Park (SPP), and the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN).
The trainings were designed to support communities in protecting and managing their forests more effectively. Participants reflected on the strengths and challenges of their existing community forest systems, discussed ways to improve collaboration with KFD, and explored practical approaches to long-term forest conservation.
Throughout the trainings, participants exchanged experiences from their own community forests while learning about community forest management principles, conflict resolution, and Joint Forest Management (JFM). Discussions highlighted the important role that local communities play in conserving forests and ensuring that natural resources continue to support future generations.
A key part of the training focused on community-based forest monitoring. Participants practiced conducting forest inventories using belt transect methods and learned how to record information on trees and vegetation in sample plots. They were also introduced to the Kawthoolei Ecosystem Resilience and Biodiversity Watch Application (KERBWA), a mobile-based tool that can help communities collect and manage forest data more efficiently. For many participants, this was an opportunity to explore how digital technology can support community-led conservation efforts.
The trainings also provided space for community forest committees to look ahead. Through group exercises and planning sessions, participants identified priority actions for improving forest management in their areas and developed strategies to address emerging challenges.
One important outcome of the trainings was the development of an action plan to assess 10 community forests between August and October 2026. The assessment will help communities better understand the condition of their forests and identify practical steps for strengthening management and conservation.
By bringing together community representatives, forest rangers, and conservation practitioners, the trainings helped reinforce a shared commitment to protecting the forests of the Salween Peace Park through local leadership, cooperation, and informed decision-making.