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Kachin environment program
KESAN works with other indigenous organizations and communities to promote capacity building, training and community empowerment on environmental issues across Burma. In 2005, KESAN started working with the Pan Kachin Development Society (PKDS) to implement the women led Kachin Environment Project (KEP). This project drew on KESAN’s experiences and lessons learned from activities implemented in Karen State, while focusing on the specific context and needs of Kachin communities. The KEP followed a Community Participatory Approach, through which problems were identified by local villagers. KEP workers then helped villagers find solutions and implement remedial actions and practices that improved local community health and livelihoods,
improved food security and maintain and sustain community forests.
In 2009 and 2010, greater emphasis was placed on sustainable and organic farming practices and a recognition of the immense value of local food and medicinal plants. In addition to community based natural resource management projects, environment awareness training and education was undertaken in the community and in schools. A number of highly regarded environmental publications were also produced. KEP activities included:
Community based natural resource management
Community based natural resource management project supported sustainable natural resource management activities that strengthened local livelihoods such as construction of irrigation systems, a community kitchen garden and an Experimental Farm and Farmer’s Field School; holding a local fruit growing competition; and organizing farmer’s knowledge exchange workshops and workshops on community forests, and organic composting and fruit preservation.
Environmental education and awareness
 Environmental education and awareness activities aimed at raising environmental awareness among community members and young people and encouraging their participation in protecting the environment. To this end, a variety of workshops and education awareness events were organized and steps were taken to incorporate environmental education into the KIO school curriculum. These workshops were so informative, popular and successful in raising participants environmental awareness that many of the KEP trainers were invited back to teach semi-regularly.
Environmental media and publications
 Environmental media and publications aimed at promoting Kachin language and traditions, respecting indigenous wisdom and practice, and protection the environment. Magazines, newsletters, children’s books, information guides and short videos were produced and published in 2010. These materials continue to be an important advocacy tool for Kachin communities. Materials include a booklet and ten minute video on the history and background of World Environment Day, a booklet on sustainable rice growing practices and a children’s cartoon book on trees. KEP also publishes the Kachin language “Grupyin Shanun” magazine.
Alliance building and networking
The KEP collaborated on activities with other organisations and engaged with Kachin authorities to raise awareness about environmental issues. Local policy makers and administrators are now more aware of discussions on environment issues such as the use of human and environment damaging chemical inputs in sugar cane plantations. The Kachin Independence Organization has even issued a policy restricting sugar cane plantations to areas well away from residential areas. Local CBOs are also more aware of environmental issues and engaged in the protection of the environment.
Capacity building and staff training
Capacity building and staff training is aim to strengthen and support KEP’s work and activities. The success of KEP activities led to the 2011 formation of a fully independent organization known as BRIDGE. BRIDGE maintains the same experienced and enthusiastic team of project workers and continues to garner the good will of the local people.
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