First published on 04/14/2017, and last updated on 06/19/2017
On today, 3 March 2017, to celebrate World Wildlife Day, the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN) is pleased to release a short video introducing the Salween Peace Park, an indigenous-managed reserve established to preserve Karen cultural heritage and the wildlife and nature of the Salween River basin. In the mountainous, war-torn Mutraw District of Karen State, indigenous Karen communities are working to build a new future for themselves. Local communities, KESAN and the Karen National Union lead this innovative undertaking to demonstrate how indigenous Karen people can sustainably manage their lands and forests, as well as protect endangered species like the tiger and pangolin. Throughout the 5,400 Square Kilometer Peace Park, there are already three wildlife sanctuaries and over twenty community forests – proof that alternative, community-based sustainable development and conservation initiatives can coexist. The Salween Peace Park is a grassroots, people-centered alternative to plans for destructive mega-dams and mining in the Salween River basin, and represents indigenous self-determination and community protection of natural and cultural heritage in action.