Myanmar
Thawthi Taw-Oo Indigenous Park: Karen People in Burma establish new conserved territory
The park’s planning and establishment resulted from years of hard work, discussion, and coordination between communities, Karen civil society, and the Karen National Union. Read more ▸
The Spirit of Paw Klo: Indigenous Communities Protect and Sustain their Ancestral Territories, Myanmar
Karen communities see physical health of humans and the health of the environment as being entwined and interconnected. Destruction of the forest or water systems can cause illness to the community, as spirits are disturbed. For this reason, Indigenous communities take much care in the protection of their territory. Read more ▸
Karen Indigenous youth are leading self-determination and revitalizing territories of life in Myanmar: Esther Wah
Esther Wah is the Secretary of the All Burma Indigenous Peoples Alliance (ABIPA) and a Council member (Thematic representative for youth and intergenerational relations) of the ICCA Consortium. In this interview, Ms. Wah talks about how the Indigenous Karen youth are becoming a driving force in securing self-determination and revitalizing the Indigenous governance and management systems in our ancestral territories of life. Read more ▸
New report: Myanmar’s environmental human rights defenders continue to resist the military junta
The report published by the “All Burma Indigenous Peoples’ Alliance (ABIPA)” illustrate the state of environmental human rights in Myanmar and the strategies pursued by the defenders in the face of violent crackdowns by the military rulers. Read more ▸
Our fight for the forest – the future of Indigenous territories in the wake of the Myanmar coup
Forests in Indigenous territories in Myanmar face an uncertain future. The military has targeted environmental defenders for their work protecting their lands from theft and destruction by military-run companies and their cronies. Read more ▸
New report on territories of life in Southeast Asia out now
The publication “Celebrating Territories of Life in Southeast Asia” by the ICCA Consortium features stories of Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ territories of life. It highlights the region’s traditional knowledge and governance systems and sustainable livelihood practices. Read more ▸
Local Indigenous solutions to global challenges: A statement by the Indigenous delegation from Burma/Myanmar to COP15
The success of Indigenous solutions to pressing conservation challenges in Burma/Myanmar is well-known despite the insurmountable violence and hardships that Indigenous Peoples face in the country. Read more ▸
Conflict, oppression, and Indigenous territories of life: local solutions to global challenges in Burma
On December 10, 2022, at the UN Biodiversity Summit, CBD COP15, a delegation of Indigenous leaders from Burma will speak about the successes of Indigenous solutions to pressing conservation challenges despite the insurmountable violence and hardships that indigenous peoples in Burma face. Read more ▸
The Fight for the Forest: Indigenous Peoples in Burma speak out on threats following the February military coup
Following the military coup in February 2021, Indigenous communities in Burma have faced nearly insurmountable threats to their lives, lands and forests. An escalation in armed conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands and put new pressures on the forests, as generals attempt to consolidate their control. In a 30 October event organised in the lead up to COP26, brave Indigenous leaders from across Burma speak out about the challenges they face and the ways in which the international community can support the struggles of Indigenous Peoples to protect the forests. Read more ▸
Event invitation: Indigenous Peoples speak out on military coup in Burma
Join our Members and Honorary members and other Indigenous leaders in Burma/Myanmar for an online event on 30 October called: “The Future of Our Forests: Voices of Indigenous peoples of Burma on the Future of the Forest and Climate Change Mitigation in the Wake of the Military Coup”. Read more ▸
Salween: Indigenous Karen peoples’ aquatic commons and fisheries under Burmese military assault
Karen environmental leader Paul Sein Twa took part in the recently concluded Twentieth Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. He spoke as a panelist in a side event titled “Indigenous peoples’ inland small-scale fisheries for healthy food systems.” This article is an adaptation of his speech. Read more ▸
Indigenous peoples under new attacks in Myanmar: An open letter and call to action
Military airstrikes on the Salween Peace Park starting on 27 March 2021 have affected tens of thousands of Indigenous villagers in northern Karen State in Burma/Myanmar. The ICCA Consortium has issued an open letter and call to action condemning the military’s human rights violations and violence against Indigenous peoples, ethnic groups, and other innocent civilians. Read more ▸
Alert: Military junta bombs Salween Peace Park in Indigenous Karen territory after coup d’état in Burma/Myanmar
The military began a series of deadly airstrikes on Indigenous Karen villages in the heart of the award-winning Salween Peace Park in Karen State. The ICCA Consortium stands in solidarity and support with our Indigenous sisters and brothers of Burma/Myanmar and vehemently condemns all human rights violations and violence against innocent civilians. Read more ▸
Congratulations to the 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize winners!
Our Council member Paul Sein Twa (Karen) was honored as the recipient for Asia for his leadership in helping establish the 1.35 million-acre Salween Peace Park in Burma/Myanmar. Read more ▸
Congratulations to the 2020 Equator Prize Winners!
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners — including the five Indigenous peoples and communities who are affiliated with the ICCA Consortium membership. Read more ▸
Virtual Is the New Normal as ICCA Southeast Asia Holds 2nd Regional Assembly
Members, Honorary members, and partners from across Southeast Asia took to cyberspace for the 2nd Southeast Asia Regional Assembly from 1-4 June 2020. The regional council members and regional representation in the ICCA Consortium’s global Council were designated and the route forward for the region was collectively decided. Read more ▸
Tanawthari Landscape of Life: a Community-led alternative to top-down conservation
The Tanawthari Landscape of Life protects the rich biodiversity of the Tanintharyi region in Myanmar with the power of Indigenous peoples’ knowledge. Read more ▸
