ABOUT KESAN: "KESAN is a community based organisation with a central office in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We implement project activities on the Thai Burma border and in Karen and Kachin states in Burma. For the past eight years we have been working towards improving rural livelihood security using an approach that empowers and educates communities and institutions to sustain existing indigenous knowledge and practices to use and manage forest resources for the long term benefit of the community. KESAN also plays a leading role in addressing environmental and development concerns in environmental law and policy formulation in preparation for the post transition period in Burma. KESAN networks with local, regional and international organisations towards increased recognition of local and indigenous peoples rights to use and manage their natural resources for sustainable development. Vision Karen indigenous people in Burma live peacefully in a healthy environment and actively participate in maintaining ecological balance and livelihood security. Mission KESAN is a local organization working alongside local communities in Karen State and Kachin State, Burma to build up capacities in natural resource management, raise public environmental awareness, support community-based development initiatives; and collaborate with organizations at all levels to advocate for environment policies and development priorities that ensure sustainable ecological, social, cultural and economic benefits and gender equity . Objectives 1. To enhance capacities of local communities and community-based organizations to enable activities for environmental protection and social development 2. To develop indigenous environmental education and materials to increase children and youth awareness and participation in environmental protection 3. To support community-based development initiatives to preserve our environment, cultures and traditional livelihoods 4. To advocate for environment policies and practices and development priorities that are environmentally friendly, socially equitable, culturally beneficial and economically viable 5. To systematize and scale up ongoing efforts to mainstream a gender perspective in all aspects of KESANs program of work."