Cadasta is proud to support the launch of the Thawthi Taw-Oo Indigenous Park (TTIP), an Indigenous Karen-led conservation and cultural preservation initiative in Taw-Oo District (Taungoo District), Kawthoolei in south-east Myanmar. The park, officially declared on December 10, 2024, spans 1,421,967 acres (5,754 square kilometers) of biodiverse forests, rivers, and mountains and is home to over 110,000 Karen people, alongside an array of rare wildlife and plant species. TTIP represents a visionary effort to address climate change, foster peace, and protect the Indigenous Karen way of life.
Rooted in long-standing Indigenous traditions and local knowledge, the TTIP was created to achieve four key aims: to revitalize and protect the traditions, culture, and unique worldview of the Indigenous Karen Peoples of Taw-Oo; to strengthen governance and management of ancestral territories and natural resources; to preserve biocultural diversity to ensure ecological systems thrive for present and future generations; and empower the Indigenous Peoples of Taw-Oo to chart their own sustainable path.
The park’s border connects with the Salween Peace Park to the south and the proposed Thawthi Karenni Indigenous Park to the east, creating a continuous expanse of conserved Indigenous territories. Together, these interconnected parks serve as a testament to the power of Indigenous-led conservation efforts to protect cultural heritage and the critical ecosystems their communities manage.
Over the last nine years, Cadasta has collaborated with the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN) and the Kawthoolei Land Data Management Center (KLDMC) to provide state-of-the-art GIS tools and customized training to document, map, and manage ancestral lands in Kawthoolei. TTIP stakeholders successfully collaborated in demarcating the TTIP’s boundaries and internal zones, including community forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and sacred areas. This participatory mapping process ensures Indigenous communities remain central to the park’s management and conservation efforts.
The park’s governance model exemplifies a hybrid system rooted in democracy, equity, and cultural preservation. Guided by the principles outlined in the newly ratified TTIP Charter, the park is governed by a General Assembly composed of representatives from Indigenous Karen communities, civil society, and the Karen National Union. This inclusive framework underscores the equal participation of women and men in decision-making, fostering accountability and transparency.
Amy Coughenour Betancourt, CEO and President of Cadasta, remarked: “The Thawthi Taw-Oo Indigenous Park is a beacon of hope and innovation, demonstrating how Indigenous-led initiatives can protect biodiversity while addressing urgent climate and equity challenges. Cadasta is honored to support the Karen people in securing their land tenure and promoting ancestral land governance.”
The establishment of the TTIP is a testament to the Karen people’s resilience and vision amidst ongoing political instability and environmental challenges. The park serves as a critical biodiversity stronghold within the Indo-Burma Global Biodiversity Hotspot and exemplifies how technology, tradition, and global partnerships with local community-led initiatives can create pathways to sustainability and peace.
To learn more about the TTIP and Cadasta’s partnership with KESAN, visit the following: