Roots Run Deep
Coming Soon…
“For us in English, we use the word ‘stewardship,’ right? We are the custodians of this land, this forest. Because we also need it for our survival and for our communities to thrive, we must have a relationship with it—a respectful, reciprocal relationship. Let's say we wanted to clear land to grow agriculture, our community has to perform the ritual ceremony to ask permission from the guardian of the forest that we're going to clear the land, and we're going to grow rice here. ‘We ask for your permission and your blessing.’ In today's terms, we'd say that we are making a contract with the God of the land, or the spirit of the land, right?”
Paul Sein Twa’s story is not just about trees and rivers; his is a narrative of hardship, survival, and a profound connection to the environment. He tells of growing up in Karen territory along the Burma-Thailand border, in the long shadow cast by deforestation, flooding, landslides, and the destruction of crucial ecosystems—legacies of the often-secretive economic deals between Myanmar's military and Thai corporations in the 1980s and 1990s. For Paul, it was this intimate exposure to the ravaging of his homeland that sparked a dedication to environmental activism. In addition to his environmental work, Paul’s activism addresses indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and peace-building.
Paul speaks of ecological stewardship not only as a duty, but as a sacred bond that is both spiritual and physical. It is a relationship built upon reciprocity, where the forest’s well-being is viewed as important as his own community's survival. Towards these ends, Paul co-founded the “Salween Peace Park,” a community-led conservation effort dedicated not only to preserving biodiversity but also resisting military-led, exploitative development projects with sustainable alternatives.
Even today amid the terrible violence that has engulfed the country in the wake of the 2021 military coup, Salween Peace Park has emerged as a lasting symbol of community-driven environmental stewardship. Its mission aligns with the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), underscoring the rights of local communities to manage their ancestral lands. The Salween River, one of Southeast Asia's last free-flowing rivers, is at the heart of this ecosystem, which spans more than 5,000 square kilometers and sustains a remarkable biodiversity.
Paul describes these initiatives as deriving their power from core, Karen values; for example, a deep, spiritual bond with nature and a preservation of traditional knowledge derived from it. Paul talks about the rituals of his community that honor the natural environment—ceremonies that apologize to the spirits of the forest for any unintended harm, like the accidental killing of animals during land clearing. These customs are not merely symbolic, but are expressions of a respect for nature, while emphasizing balance and reciprocity.
For Paul, responsive government at all levels is essential to enacting his vision, which often involves collaboration with the Karen National Union (KNU), an organization that has been advocating for Karen autonomy since 1947. The KNU has been instrumental in resisting the military not just politically, but in shaping local governance that aligns with cultural preservation. Paul speaks about the hybrid governance model of the Peace Park, which brings together the KNU, indigenous communities, and civil society. To him, it is a living example of how traditional practices can blend with modern governance to serve as a model for a more inclusive federalism in Myanmar.
Paul sees his own personal story as being interwoven with the collective memories of his people—through poems, family tales, and shared cultural teachings. He sees these same aspects interwoven into the stories of all Karen, and so uses them to inspire and educate others, to link the present struggles of his community with the enduring wisdom of their ancestors. For instance, he recites poems that teach responsible resource use, like reminding people that if they want frogs to eat, they must take care of their habitat. The presence of certain animals is seen as an omen of prosperity—a deeply held belief that underscores their commitment to safeguarding these creatures and their habitats.
Throughout Paul’s narrative looms the Burmese military, as a persistent and often destructive force that poses a constant and immediate threat to the environment, as well all those who live within it. Exploitation of resources has also undermined local autonomy, which in turn further complicates conservation efforts. Therefore, Paul argues that any inclusive federal system in Myanmar must respect the autonomy of the country’s diverse, ethnic communities, and must also address the historical injustices that have lingered since independence. The model provided by the Salween Peace Park represents such a vision, demonstrating how local governance structures can fit into a broader, inclusive federal framework—one that honors promises made long ago to Myanmar’s many ethnic groups.
Paul stresses that the destruction of nature in Burma’s conflict zones—where illegal logging and mining run rampant—is not just a local, environmental issue: it is a global concern! He points out how similar dynamics can be seen worldwide, where militarized regions often become sites of unchecked environmental exploitation, worsening climate outcomes and threatening not only biodiversity but also human survival. For Paul, environmental conservation and conflict resolution are two sides of the same coin—necessary, interlinked strategies for ensuring peace and sustainability.
Returning to the Salween Peace Park, Paul stresses that women and youth are the backbone of its success. He highlights how their involvement in traditional crafts, cultural documentation, and environmental monitoring reflects a broader movement and responsibility. He sees Karen youth as particularly vital for sustaining these traditions, ensuring that the knowledge of their elders is passed down, and that traditional music, weaving, etc. is not forgotten. But he also stresses that this isn’t just about maintaining culture—it’s also about these cultural strengths for fostering personal and community resilience.
Recognition from the international community has been a critical pillar in Paul’s efforts. Winning the UNDP Equator Prize elevated the Salween Peace Park’s visibility and legitimacy, reinforcing the impact of grassroots conservation initiatives. These awards highlight how community-driven projects can successfully advance sustainable development, mirroring similar efforts across the globe. Paul sees this kind of recognition as crucial, not just for community morale but for countering exploitative development schemes that dismiss indigenous-led initiatives as impractical.
In the end, Paul recognizes that true conservation transcends borders. Ecosystems and rivers do not adhere to political boundaries; for example, the Salween River’s preservation needs cooperation across Myanmar and neighboring Thailand. His vision is one that not only respects indigenous rights, but also builds alliances at local, national, and international levels.
“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 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.
To explore similar themes as the ones touched upon in this discussion, consider the following past episodes:
· Eh Nay Thaw shares his journey from Karen State to Thai refugee camps and ultimately to the United States, touching on themes of identity, healing, and advocacy in the face of systemic persecution. He describing his transformation from harboring deep resentment toward the Bamar ethnicity to embracing forgiveness and promoting solidarity. His story underscores a vision for a united Burma, where the shared pursuit of federal democracy bridges divides and fosters coexistence.
· Jack Jenkins Hill discusses the pernicious results of military-backed environmental exploitation, particularly from the extraction of valuable resources such as teak, jade, and rare earth metals, which have severely harmed both ecosystems and local communities. He emphasizes the ongoing struggle of indigenous communities to protect their lands and cultural identity amid systemic dispossession and conflict.
· Saw Kapi shares his journey from a young student activist during the 1988 pro-democracy uprising to becoming a leader in governance and education. His story underscores an unwavering belief in the transformative power of knowledge and the necessity of empowering marginalized communities, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and inclusive leadership in fostering societal change. Saw Kapi stresses that sustainable progress can only be achieved through robust local governance systems that prioritize public service, community involvement, and accountability.
· Jesse Phenow’s life was transformed when he began volunteering with newly arrived refugees in Minnesota from Myanmar, particularly the Karen community, through which he learned humbling lessons of resilience, hospitality, and kinship that profoundly changed him. His experiences of integrating with the Karen culture, both in own home town and subsequent travels to Myanmar and Thailand, highlight the significance of communal connection, humility, and a shared fight for identity and recognition that continues to inspire his work with the youth-led, Urban Village initiative.
· Tu Lor was forced to flee her small, Karen village in Myanmar. Landing first in a Thai refugee camp, she later moved to the United States. Her story reflects the resilience and adaptation of those who must navigate displacement. She reflects on maintaining her cultural identity while embracing life in a new land, as well as the tension between freedom and responsibility, as she strives to use her privileges to support her family and community still facing hardship in Karen state.
· Timo Schober and Shirsho Dasgupta note how their investigative work on Myanmar’s teak trade uncovered the devastating outcome of illegal logging, deforestation, and labor abuses, exposing how the country’s prized resource enriches the military at the expense of extreme, environmental degradation. They highlight how the global demand for luxury teak products, particularly in yacht manufacture, perpetuates exploitation and sustains a brutal junta, illustrating the urgent need for stricter international enforcement and consumer awareness to disrupt these harmful networks.