English language
The ongoing conflict between Myanmar’s ruling military regime – the State Administration Council (SAC) – and the pro-democracy movement has not only accelerated environmental degradation but has also severely impacted the country’s economic stability. The conflict has presented numerous obstacles for Karen communities, local leaders, and KESAN in maintaining their community-based projects and activities. Even amidst
these considerable challenges faced by communities and project personnel, local individuals remain driven to enhance their communities and bolster resilience against adversities.
Initiatives such as the growth and development of rice bank networks, agroforestry, seed exchanges, livestock raising, and fish conservation continue to contribute towards greater indigenous food sovereignty and the sustaining of resilient communities.
With Indigenous Conservation/ Governance models being increasingly seen as a viable alternative to top-down governance models in a country with so much ethnic diversity and traditional systems, KESAN has used this opportunity to continue to strengthen existing customary governance across large landscapes in three areas of Kawthoolei during the last year. Community rangers were supported to continue their patrolling of three protected areas.
KESAN has also continued its work with the KNU governmental departments- including a new initiative with the Fishery and Livestock Department to compliment ongoing work with the Agricultural and Forest Departments- to improve good governance and facilitate meaningful collaboration between local communities and the KNU.
At a broader level, KESAN’s media team has amplified the voices of indigenous Karen people through multimedia dissemination and advocacy at the regional and international levels on environmental and human rights issues.
Please read the report for details.