The OmKoi Coal mining industry will cause environmental damage and change the way of life of people in Ban Ka Bor Din irreversibly.
Story by Indigenous Voices and Movement on Climate Change (R2S)
Story of Pwo Karen
Location: Baan Ka Bor Din, Chiang Mai
Coal Mine
The indigenous people from communities of Ka Bor Din, a Pow (or Po) Karen community in Chiang Mai Province, and Omkoi united in #OmKoiNoCoal campaign against the construction of Omkoi Coal Mine. If implemented, the mining project would severely affect the people's livelihoods and damage the natural resources that are vital for their livelihoods such as Huai Pha Khao stream. The water from the stream is used for growing crops. The mining industry would cause irreversible environmental damage and contribute to the climate change.
Right to Space, Right to Speak Ethnic Minority Voices on Climate Change
R2S explores major challenges that the ethnic minority people are facing in the climate change crisis through the destructive projects, laws, and policies that produce a long-lasting impact and result in a violation of the ethnic minority rights. The negative impact of the climate crisis and related policies affect such important areas as farming, food and land security, natural resources, biodiversity of ecosystems, water resources, and forests, as well as the livelihoods of the ethnic communities.
Being guided by their own culture and traditional wisdom, ethnic communities were always self-reliant and exercised moderate use of abundant natural resources. Since most of the ethnic communities come from minority groups, they do not have enough voices and platforms to raise up their challenges in public spaces.
R2S project is working to protect for the rights of the indigenous people and to create a platform to raise awareness on the impact of climate change, and advocate for accountability on the use of natural resources by other actors.
Our approach to use of natural resources, and environmental preservation has a profound impact on our planet. To effectively tackle the climate crisis, we need to take action now. We advocate for fair policies, climate justice, and non-discrimination for the world where decisions are driven by equity, rule of law, and awareness of the conscious use of natural resources and the potential of renewable energy for the safer future of our planet and next generations to come.
The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the United Nations, including UNDP, or the UN Member States. This report is an independent publication produced with financial support from the European Union.
Indigenous Voices and Movement on Climate Change (R2S)
R2S explores major challenges that the ethnic minority people are facing in the climate change crisis through the destructive projects, laws, and policies that produce a long-lasting impact and result in a violation of the ethnic minority rights.