On 12 October 2011, the Global Positioning System (GPS) training given by KESAN’s biodiversity research coordinator, community project coordinator and their partners was conducted in Doo Playa District, Karen State.

The aim of the training is to document the area of the community forest and wildlife sanctuary in Doo Playa District. Moreover, the training also aims to document and record the land area owned by the each of the villagers.

Saw Wee Eh Htoo, KESAN’s biodiversity coordinator, said:

“It is necessary to document the area of these forests and lands, and then keep the information as evidence in order to make sure these forests are under protection, and villagers still have the rights to own their land after political changes happen, or after a transition period.”

The training was conducted for a week in Naw Ta Koe Township, Doo Playa District, Karen State. Eighteen participants, one female and seventeen male, attended the training.

This is the first GIS training provided by KESAN in the Karen State. KESAN is planning to provide this training again for other districts of the Karen State during the coming annual meeting of KESAN, when representatives from different districts of the Karen State convene. Thuleikawwei