Karen communities join forces at the watershed level to manage natural resources

In the forested uplands of Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand, Phor Luang [village chief] Boonrit Thetja knew that his community could not manage the natural resources of the watershed in isolation. To resolve issues related to soil, water and forests, they would have to cooperate with communities from nearby watersheds.

The 53-year-old – from the Pga K'nyau (Karen) ethnic group in Ban Mae Yang Min – now plays a crucial role as chair of the Mae Yang Min Watershed Network, overseeing 5 villages and 11 hamlets.

These communities live in forest areas with unclear land-use data, and face restrictive policies and laws due to limited official understanding of indigenous resource management.

The IMPECT Association, with support from FPP, has been instrumental in strengthening the Mae Yang Min Watershed Network, and has helped reinforce collaboration in the neighbouring watershed of Mae Tam through shared resource areas. A robust working structure at the watershed level now facilitates communication with the community and local agencies, and all parties work together to manage natural resources in a way that respects cultural traditions.

This year, relationships between communities, districts, provinces, and national networks have grown stronger. Face-to-face meetings are improving understanding of how national policies affect local life, which is shaping solutions to address the policy challenges.

The Mae Yang Min Watershed plans to incorporate indigenous knowledge into the school curriculum to educate future generations about sustainable resource management.

Trees are like our home. The fallen leaves near the tree become fertiliser for its trunk. Just as I, being the last leaf, fall near the tree to return and take care of my community - Phor Luang Boonrit Thetja