Why the big focus on
sustainability instead of
basic needs such as food
and shelter?
For us - sustainability is
everything. It is impossible to
separate these issues and we
think that they are connected
in a system. The villages we
are working with at the
moment already have their
basic needs covered. If we
are starting to work with other
villages we will make sure
that they will also have these
needs covered before
approaching the sustainability
training.
Can you tell us how the
climate change is
affecting the Karen
people and in what way
is your project helping
them in this aspect?
Climate change poses threats
and dangers to the survival of
indigenous communities
worldwide, even though
indigenous peoples contribute
little to greenhouse
emissions. Karen people are
facing several problems
regarding climate change
which includes forced
relocation by the Thai
government. Another issue is
the agricultural problems
such as the increased use of
fertilizers had led to more
water pollution problems.
How do you see the
future of the villages you
take care of?
We are striving for "the
philosophy of Sufficiency
Economy" which
is King Bhumibol Adulyadej's
method in promoting
Sustainability in Thailand. As
'our' villages already are
developed enough to meet
the need of basic food and
shelter we think that they are
ready to take the
sustainability approach to the
next level. We will keep on
working to inspire the
villagers to be self sufficient
and work on sustainable
entrepreneurship.
What would you like to
accomplish within the
next 5 years?
Our mission is to create a
better life for the kids all over
the world. We think we can
do this through our
sustainability training tool,
which will give the opportunity
for other people to teach
about sustainability for kids
as well. A personal goal is to
work for We Kare in different
parts of the world - and it
would have been interesting
to see how the need for
sustainability differs
depending on where you are.
How is the project
funded?
The project is funded by
individuals who want to
contribute creating a
sustainable world. We
received a generous donation
for Solvatten from a company
called Fatshore. We also got
support in providing rice and
clothes to the villages from
Innuendo Cakes, Junior
Achievement Thailand,
Allrice, Jasberry Rice and
Siam Organics.
We got support from
Innuendo Cakes, Junior
Achivement Thailand, Allrice,
Jasberry Rice and Siam
Organics to provide rice and
clothes for the villages.
In what way can the
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