Salween Peace Park

In an area of South-Eastern Myanmar marked by 70 years of conflict, the Salween Peace Park is the result of a Karen indigenous grassroots movement for stability and conservation of a 5,400 square kilometer continuous ecosystem made up of protected areas, community forests and indigenous lands. Based on an indigenous vision of sustainable use of natural resources, coupled with traditional practices and taboos, local communities lead a life that respects wildlife and local ecosystems. A camera-trap program led by female researchers has shown remarkable species diversity in the area, contributing to the conservation of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. Organic agriculture has allowed villagers to recover livelihoods in an area impoverished from decades of conflict. Established in 2014 in a highly participatory process and founded upon principles of peace and self-determination, ecological integrity and cultural survival, the Salween Peace Park is an expression of Karen indigenous identity.

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2020

Year of establishment: 2014

Location: Karen State, Myanmar

Ecosystem: Forests and mountains

 

Case study

Download English

 

Related resources 

 

Equator Prize 2020

 

Asia and the Pacific

 

Sustainable Forestry

 

Biodiversity Conservation

 


Contact Information

Paul Sein Twa
President
paulkesan@gmail.com

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