The project contributes to poverty reduction (SDG Goal 1), promoting appreciation and proper management of natural resources. Learning to balance between conservation and sustainable usage of natural economic resources is fundamental to the livelihood of the community and will help reduce vulnerabilities from external shocks. Maintaining forests and the rich biodiversity in the Thung Yai natural world heritage area will contribute to reducing the impacts of climate change, including related natural disasters. (SDG Goal 13) The project promotes sustainable communities (SDG Goal 11) by safeguarding a world natural heritage site and engaging community members and all relevant stakeholders on sustainable and inclusive settlement planning. Partnerships between international institutions, government, non-profit organizations, and local communities play a critical role in achieving sustainable development, as highlighted by the collaboration in this project (SDG Goal 17).

RESILIENCE, ADAPTABILITY, AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY

The youth have partnered with officers and non-governmental third parties on environmental issues, and developed a GPS zoning map to prevent monocrop or commercial encroachments in the area. They adapted new working methods during COVID-19 to maintain continuity of efforts and continued exploring and documenting biodiversity using social media. The youth group's adaptability and resilience are reflected in their improved observation and attention skills, confidence in taking action, increased environmental awareness, and passion for learning and sharing knowledge. Previously, they walked through the forest without paying attention, but now they identify different trees and animals and link their knowledge to their daily lives. They have developed their presentation skills, resulting in successful agreements backed by supporting data, such as limiting fishing for sustainability. Additionally, they organize activities for children and teenagers, with over participants joining.

REDUCED INEQUALITIES

This project aims to tackle the challenges faced by the Karen tribe, who are an ethnic minority deeply rooted in their natural surroundings and unique culture. Recent years have seen their traditional way of living and culture transformed by the influence of modern urbanization and agricultural investments from outsiders. One of the consequences of these changes is the adoption of non-rotational single-cropping practices and the use of chemicals in agriculture, which can have negative impacts on the environment. Additionally, the villagers' perceptions towards education have shifted, with the younger generation moving away from traditional life skills and farming towards a desire for an urban lifestyle. The project helped educate the youths on the value of their environment and connected the Karen with wildlife sanctuary officials to promote sustainable practices. Initially, the youth group was uncertain about their roles and had questions about the Karen way of life. However, when they joined the project, they gained scientific knowledge and reasoning to explain the importance of the forest and their way of life. This led to a strengthened role and space in the community, resulting in joint agreements to conserve wildlife and manage the farming area. The project targets Karen youth representatives and empowers them as co-inhabitants and partners in nature conservation.

GENDER EQUALITY

Due to cultural norms and traditional gender roles of the Karen where women are responsible for taking care of their families and maintaining the household while men work outside in labor-intensive jobs such as farming, the Karen youth leaders participating in the project are mostly men (25 male to 2 female). This was also particularly due to the role requiring extensive time in the field and overnight training elsewhere. However, the representatives have worked towards encouraging both teenage girls and boys to participate in implementing natural resource conservation efforts in equal proportion. This is reflected in the nature activities organized after school and in classrooms, which are open to all genders, allowing them to experience and appreciate nature equally. Moreover, the youth centers established by the project have encouraged cooperation from women's groups and facilitated discussions on ways to support and encourage women's roles in conservation efforts. This has opened up opportunities for women to participate in leading activities. Overall, while there is still room for improvement in terms of gender equality within the youth leadership team, the initiative has made positive steps towards empowering women and girls in the community and promoting their involvement in natural conservation efforts.