Achievement (2008-2010) – “Rural livelihood and environmental security of Karen and Kachin indigenous communities”

Participants and beneficiaries

Over the last three years, KESAN has been directly working in 57 villages in Karen and Kachin states.  A total of 95,600 individuals (51% women) and at least 207,000 individuals (approx. 52% women) have been directly and indirectly benefiting from KESAN's project interventions. We were able to support 74 community-based development initiatives that enhance indigenous knowledge, build capacities, provide income and livelihood sources and increase food security in a sustainable manner. The significant outcomes registered are the formation of a women’s micro-credit union, a farmer field school, a community forest network, a traditional herbalist network, and a seeds-saving network. These successes indicated that people actively participated in all stages of project cycles.

Environmental education institutionalization

A culturally relevant environmental curriculum, including teaching aids that incorporate indigenous Karen culture and knowledge was developed.  Curriculum and teaching aids were used in 177 schools (64 in 7 Karen refugee camps in Thailand and 101 in Karen & 12 in Kachin states). A total of 346 teachers (63% females) were trained in the use of this environmental curriculum.

Policy and practice change

A landmark in policy and practice change in Karen history was the development of policies: (i) on land use that recognizes the customary Karen land tenure systems and the right of land ownership of communities and individuals, and (ii) on forest management that recognizes the people’s right to manage forests resources for sustainable development. The subsequent development of community forest instruction and rotational farming rules and regulations has strengthened forest policy implementation. Positive changes in the attitude and behavior of local leaders are better understanding of co-management of forests with local people and the importance of both women’s and men’s participation in natural resource management.  Aware of their rights and equipped with more knowledge from past education events, communities are more assertive in engaging Karen leaders, especially in raising issues and concerns that affect them and the environment.

Evaluation capacity

The evaluator has validated our clear understanding of what evaluation is and what it is for. Many different kinds of evaluation and monitoring, and methods are being used.  KESAN has evaluation and monitoring informally imbedded into all stages of the project. The staffs have a genuine desire to make the projects better and find ways to get the needed information.  Often, it is the people in communities themselves doing the evaluating.

Gender and HIV/AIDS mainstreaming

The external evaluators has certified that KESAN has passed ON's gender traffic light.  KESAN and its partners are breaking down gender stereotypes and are practicing and promoting gender sensitivity and equality, and mutual respect in all aspects of our work.   For example, data are sex-disaggregated for a better assessment of the projects impacts on male and female participants and beneficiaries.  More women have been directly, indirectly benefitting and effective participation in the decision-making process from KESAN’s community development.

KESAN's workplace policy was adopted in end of 2010 to mainstream HIV/AIDS in the organization's program.

Participatory action research of biodiversity

The two 2 biodiversity reports (Khoe Kay: Biodiversity in Peril, July 2008/Diversity Degraded: Vulnerability of Culture and Natural diversity in Northern Karen State, Burma, December 2005) of KESAN on Salween River biodiversity and Wild Elephant in Megatha wildlife sanctuary were a groundbreaking biodiversity research which combined indigenous and scientific knowledge.  Subsequently, the stewardship and protection of wilderness areas amongst the villagers and the KNU’s forestry department are pursue.  Community and spiritual leaders are highly supportive to protect wild elephants in Megatha Wildlife Sanctuary (near 3 Pagoda Pass). Gained two new international environment NGOs supports and collaboration.

Impact of advocacy campaign and media

With our all level networks' collective campaigns and media advocacy, the Thai Government has temporarily ordered the cessation of Hat Gyi dam construction on the Salween River.  Both our own and other media outlets have brought light on the adverse impacts of dams, logging, mining, monoculture plantations to the public. As a result, communities are becoming more watching on those destructive activities.

Furthermore, KESAN's environment training and educational materials were well received by people from inside Burma. The 300 trainees from Chiang Mai University CDCE program, Vahu Institute, the Buddhist Leadership institute and Community Empowerment (BLCE), NEED agriculture school and Mae Tao Clinic have at least shown or shared educational films on the environment to approximately 20,000 people. 

Click to see KESAN achievement in 2005-2007