The Karen National Union (KNU) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) saying that they will work together to carry out practical biodiversity conservation in KNU controlled areas.
The KNU joint secretary (2) Pado Mahn Mahn Mahn and the WWF-Myanmar’s country director Mr. A. Christy Williams signed the MOU at the Queen Palace Hotel in Mae Sot, Thailand on 8 November.
Padoh Mahn Mahn Mahn told KIC News that the two groups would work together to protect the forest and wildlife in KNU-controlled areas.
He said: “The leaders of the KNU Forestry Department and the leaders of the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN) have discussed this issue for the past one or two years. Our aim is to protect the forests and the wildlife.”
He also said that for forestry conservation and development to succeed there needs to be more than just aid. The Burmese government also needs to recognise the action that the KNU are taking.
Under the MOU the KNU and the WWF will cooperate on projects to enhance forestry conservation, build the capacity of forest rangers, raise awareness amongst local residents, hold workshops and conduct research in the forests.
At the MOU signing ceremony the WWF-Myanmar country director, Mr. A. Christy Williams , told KIC News that WWF’s aim is to cooperate with the KNU Forestry Department and to share experiences with and give technical assistance to the KNU members so that they will know how to conserve their forests.
This is the first time that the KNU have signed an environmental conservation MOU with the WWF, it will last for three years.
Reporting by Sa Isue for KIC News
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI
