Construction of the Salween River Dam – Baan Tha Ta Fang
The Salween River Dam construction poses a direct threat to the river ecosystem and livelihood of the Tha Ta Fung villagers who depend on Salween fishery and agricultural practices. The environmental damage created by the impact of the Dam would be extremely challenging to reverse in the future.
Story by Indigenous Voices and Movement on Climate Change (R2S)
Story of Sgaw Karen
Location: Baan Tha Ta Fang, Mae Hong Son
Construction of the Salween River Dam
Tha Ta Fang is the Pakarkeryaw Karen community located in Mae Hong Son Province along the Salween River, the community's crucial natural resource. Tha Ta Fung people are the first to face the direct impact of the mega development projects such as the Dam construction that heavily disrupt the Salween River and her neighboring ecosystems. The Tha Ta Fung community is strongly connected and dependent on the Salween River for fishery and agricultural practices that are vital for their livelihood. Moreover, the Dam construction poses a direct threat to the river ecosystem and the preservation of neighboring forests. The environmental damage created by the impact of the Dam would be extremely challenging to reverse in the future.
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.
Written by
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.
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