"Northern Thai communities put nature before profit", 9 April 2025

The Indigenous Karen people and the Thai Lanna community of Thailand are concerned about plans to divert and dam the Yuam river and its branches, which could undo years of careful stewardship…

Community members shared how they are protecting their way of life, which values the land and waterways far beyond just their economic potential.

Singkarn Ruenhom

Thai Lanna fisherman

“I rely mainly on the river for my occupation, and I go fishing in the river area. Whether it can be done or not, we will try to protect nature. Protecting shellfish, crabs, fish, this is my conscience.

When I get in the water it is a happy thing. It’s the feeling that I have arrived home. I feel proud that I sleep in a house near the water. I hear the sound of flowing water and I feel that I am lucky, lucky to have nature that gives me a lullaby and nourishes me.

The local villagers value nature more than money. Money is acquired quickly and then it is gone, but nature will be with us for the rest of our lives…

Dao Phrasuk Moepoy

Indigenous Karen activist

We rely on the forest and the river to sustain us and make a living. If there was no river, we would not be able to survive. Our memories since birth are connected to the river and the forest…

The forests and rivers that we live with give us abundance. They give us food and life for almost the whole year, so we have to take care of and feed the spirits and ghosts of the forest and rivers…