Episode #305: Paul Sein Twa is a Karen environmentalist whose life and work embody the intersection of conservation, indigenous rights, and the pursuit of peace. He shares his journey growing up along the Burma-Thailand border, where he witnessed the massive deforestation caused by unchecked logging, and how it motivated him to dedicate his life to preserving Myanmar's natural landscapes and empowering indigenous communities.
The conversation delves into Paul's work with the Salween Peace Park, an initiative that combines ecological conservation with cultural preservation and fostering community resilience. Paul passionately describes the relationship his people hold with the land, where nature is not merely a resource but a sacred heritage that sustains both body and spirit. The Peace Park represents a vision of governance driven by the principles of stewardship and indigenous wisdom, showing how conservation can also be a form of resistance against military exploitation and political oppression.
Paul describes the challenges and triumphs of maintaining environmental integrity in a conflict-ridden region. He talks about working with the Karen National Union to create policies that support sustainable development while resisting exploitative military-backed projects. He highlights the importance of building resilience from the grassroots level and engaging local communities as key actors in managing their territories.
“We cannot just talk about environmental conservation without recognizing the human rights of the people who are living in that territory. We have to first recognize the rights of the indigenous people and local communities, and that's where we talk about human rights-based approach to conservation. This is exactly what we the Peace Park is doing! And then, by recognizing our rights, and then by holding hand with other communities, we can… can achieve more, right?” With these words, Paul Sein Twa offers a powerful reminder: the fight for the environment is not merely about preserving nature—it is about safeguarding the soul of a people.