WORKSHOP: Cultivating Connections: Just Futures Mekong Fellows at the 'Young Seed for the Future' Festival

By Yu Yin, Fellowship Coordinator, Center for Social Development Studies CSDS

As the global community seeks solutions to mitigate climate change and achieve food security, events that emphasize sustainability and collaboration are more vital than ever. One such inspiring gathering was the 25th "Young Seed for the Future" Festival, held from January 23 to 25, 2025, in Yasothon Province, Thailand. This festival provided a unique opportunity for the five Just Futures Mekong Fellows—a group of passionate changemakers from China exploring civil society and sustainability across the Mekong region—to engage with sustainable agricultural practices, build meaningful connections, and gain insights from grassroots initiatives. This marked their first activity following their welcome orientation. 

Photo: Just Future Mekong Fellows with Mr. Charin Thongsuk, Governor of Yasothon Province. Credit: Yu Yin 

A Festival with Purpose 
Organized by the Alternative Agriculture Network, the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation, and Bio-Thai, the Seed Festival is more than an annual event. It is a celebration of seeds, local knowledge, genetic resources, and food sovereignty — the cornerstones of sustainable agriculture and food security. 

This year’s festival was particularly significant, expanding its regional reach to include participants from Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Thailand, along with the Just Futures Mekong Fellows from China. Under the theme "Young Seed for the Future," the event emphasized the importance of regional and intergenerational collaboration in agriculture. It inspired young leaders, farmers, and agricultural communities to build resilient food systems in response to climate change and other pressing challenges. 

The festival opened with heartfelt addresses from Mr. Charin Thongsuk, Governor of Yasothon Province, and Boonsong Matkhao, Director of the Northeastern Alternative Agriculture Network. Their speeches underscored the festival’s mission: to promote sustainable agricultural practices, secure and diversify seeds, and foster meaningful regional connections. 

Immersive Experiences for the Fellows 
The three-day festival offered the Fellows a wealth of hands-on experiences that went beyond traditional learning. Through engaging activities, they explored the interplay between traditional agricultural knowledge, innovation, and sustainability. Highlights included: 

• Knowledge Sharing Sessions: Expert farmers led discussions on climate-resilient rice seed cultivation, innovative agricultural practices, community-based genetic resource management, and strategies for protecting local plant varieties. 

• Food and Vegetable Tasting: Participants sampled locally grown teas, fruits, liquors, tomatoes, and rice, showcasing the flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits of organic produce. 

• Seed Swap: Farmers exchanged over 100 varieties of vegetable, fruit, and rice seeds, with fresh produce like pumpkins and melons shared during the event. 

• Farmers’ Market: Featuring over 60 vendors, the market highlighted local agricultural heritage with fresh produce, coffee, herbal goods, and crafts, offering Fellows a chance to support small-scale farmers and learn about sustainable farming innovations. 

These activities allowed the Fellows to witness firsthand how farmers address climate adaptation through seed preservation and innovative farming practices. They also gained a deeper understanding of the critical role NGOs and community networks play in supporting and connecting rural communities, fostering knowledge exchange, and driving behavior change. 

Photo: Seed Swap at the Seed Festival, Credit: Yu Yin

Photos: Farmers’ Market at the Seed Festival, Credit: Yu Yin

The Power for Change 
The Fellows had the chance to speak with the festival’s lead organizer, who shared the story of its origins 25 years ago. The festival was born out of two major challenges: 

1. The Green Revolution: In the 1980s, the government promoted hybrid seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides as symbols of modernization. Initially, farmers resisted, but government propaganda promising higher yields and profits, coupled with programs that exchanged traditional seeds for hybrids, led to widespread adoption. Over time, this shift reduced seed diversity. 

1. Modern Rice Mills: The introduction of modern rice mills, which only accepted rice of specific sizes, further discouraged the cultivation of diverse rice varieties. 

These changes severely impacted seed diversity, but the consequences soon became apparent. Farmers faced rising debt and health issues, prompting rural development NGOs and local communities to analyze the root causes. They recognized the importance of seed diversity and traditional farming techniques in ensuring sustainable agriculture. This realization sparked the creation of the Seed Festival as a platform to advocate seed sovereignty and promote diverse seed varieties essential for climate resilience. 

The urgency of seed sovereignty grew even stronger when free trade agreements and intellectual property rights began to affect Thailand’s iconic Jasmine rice. The festival has since become a powerful movement to reclaim control over seeds, protect traditional farming practices, and empower farmers to preserve their agricultural heritage. 

Photo: Fellows with leaders from the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation. Credit: Yu Yin. 

Connecting Across Borders 
One of the festival’s achievements was its ability to foster regional connections. The Just Future Mekong Fellows joined farmers, researchers, and civil society leaders from Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and beyond to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and build relationships. This cross-border collaboration, driven by shared challenges and aspirations, exemplifies the cooperation needed to address regional food security and climate resilience collectively. 

Through dialogues with local farmers, the Fellows gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving traditional knowledge while embracing innovation. At the heart of these conversations was the recognition that seeds—symbols of cooperation and adaptation—hold the potential to empower future generations and transform agricultural systems sustainably. 

Photo: Fellows having dinners with participants from Myanmar. Credit: Mai Xueying

Charting a Just and Sustainable Future 
For the Just Future Mekong Fellows, the "Young Seed for the Future" Festival was more than a learning experience — it was a source of inspiration and motivation. Their journey to Yasothon Province marked the beginning of their exploration of Thai civil society and sustainability, laying a strong foundation for understanding the strengths and struggles of Thai rural communities in navigating the challenges of the modern agricultural sector. 

As the Fellows continue their journey across Thailand and the Mekong region, the lessons from the festival will serve as a cornerstone for their future endeavors. Events like this highlight the power of collaboration, community, and culture in achieving sustainable solutions. 

In a world facing complex agricultural and environmental challenges, the message from Yasothon Province is clear: the seeds we plant today—both literally and metaphorically—will shape the future we cultivate tomorrow. By fostering regional cooperation and embracing grassroots knowledge, initiatives like the Seed Festival inspire hope for a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future. 

WORKSHOP: Turning Knowledge into Action for Green Transformation: "First Workshop for Just Futures Mekong Fellowship Program"

By Yu Yin, Fellowship Coordinator, Center for Social Development Studies CSDS

In early February 2025, the Center for Social Development Studies organized a dynamic 5-day workshop for the Just Future Mekong Fellows and their research partners on research design. The goal of the workshop was to provide participants with the skills, knowledge, and strategies they need to create real, sustainable change through collaborative research and practical action. Over the course of a week, the workshop guided participants through key concepts in research design, sustainability practices, and real-world problem-solving, while also offering hands-on learning experiences, including visits to the programs partnering Thai host organizations. 

The workshop opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup, Vice Dean for Research at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Political Science. His words set the tone for the Just Futures Mekong Fellowship Program, an initiative designed to promote justice and sustainability in Thailand and across the Mekong Region. The fellowship itself spans six months, during which each fellow teams up with a research partner from a host organization to co-develop research projects that align with the organization’s goals. These projects aim to not only address pressing sustainability challenges but also deliver tangible contributions to policy and practice in the region. 

Three Days Interactive Classroom Workshops 

We had three days dedicated to an immersive classroom experience, where participants engaged in informative lectures from the program lead, Dr. Carl Middleton. Based on the lectures, fellows had dynamic discussions on their research topics and collaboratively worked with their research buddies to co-design the research. The sessions were structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of research design and its role in advancing sustainability transformation and work on their research design step by step.  

The workshop commenced with an introduction to its overarching goals: to foster co-produced knowledge, enhance research design skills, and bridge the gap between academic research and practical sustainability solutions. Participants were encouraged to think critically about how their work can contribute to systemic change. The objectives were to build the capacity of research fellows and research buddies to undertake design and co-produced research; produce a draft research design to be finalized post-workshop in collaboration with the partner organization and mentor; and cultivate a community of shared learning across the fellowship cohort and partner organizations. 

Co-Produced Knowledge for Sustainability Transformation 

A key theme of the workshop was the importance of co-production in research. Several different kinds of knowledge production were introduced, ranging from that of government policy makers to local communities, to explore design thinking and knowledge co-production for sustainability research, which begins with a shared understanding of research problem between actors and shared definition of research question and design, and includes context-based, pluralistic, goal-oriented and interactive elements.  

Fellows discussed their experiences in engaging stakeholders, communities, and practitioners, which can lead to more impactful and contextual outcomes. Case studies and group discussions highlighted the value of integrating diverse perspectives into the research process. 

The research framework was also introduced including the role of concepts in research, how to formulate research questions, how to search for relevant literature, the types of research tools available, and the meaning of analysis and triangulation. Each of these subjects was followed by time for fellows’ exercises, presentations, and feedback. The workshop also covered discussions on research ethics, theories of change, and its connection to research for development.  

The process not only enabled fellows and research partners to learn and develop the research design, but it also strengthened the collaboration between research fellows and their researcher buddies, instilling confidence for future research work. 

Organizational Visits 

The workshop dedicated two days to meeting with local host organizations involved in the fellowship program. There are five organizations in total: Local Alike, the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation, the Sustainable Development Foundation, Toward Organic Asia, and the Climate Finance Network Thailand. Although they all work on promoting sustainability in Thailand, their fields of operation and approaches are quite different, representing the diversity of civil society in Thailand. 

Local Alike   

Our first stop was Local Alike, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering local communities through sustainable community-based tourism. During the visit, they shared their approach to engaging with communities, which involves enhancing their understanding of sustainable practices, identifying unique tourism highlights, and building their capacity in hospitality and tourism management. The marketing team at Local Alike plays a crucial role in promoting these community-based tourism activities to both domestic and international audiences, ensuring wider visibility and participation. In addition to generating income through community tours, Local Alike also offers professional services to government agencies and consulting for companies interested in community-based tourism development. This multifaceted approach positions Local Alike as a model for sustainable tourism, demonstrating how it can empower communities, foster skill development, and create sustainable economic opportunities. By integrating community engagement, capacity-building, and strategic marketing, they not only deliver authentic tourism experiences but also contribute to the long-term resilience and growth of local economies. Their innovative methods underscore the transformative potential of community-driven tourism initiatives. 

The Future Just Mekong fellow aims to delve deeper into Local Alike’s community-based tourism model, analyzing their strategies for community engagement, capacity-building, and marketing to identify opportunities within the Chinese tourist market. The research will also explore how community-based tourism contributes to sustainable community development in the long term, examining both the short-term experiences and long-term lessons learned. By understanding these dynamics, the fellow seeks to uncover insights that can enhance the promotion of such tourism experiences to Chinese travelers while supporting the enduring empowerment and resilience of local communities in Thailand. 

Fellows visit with sdf

Sustainable Development Foundation (SDF) 

Our next destination was the Sustainable Development Foundation (SDF), a Thai NGO established in 1996. The foundation operates from a spacious three-floor building equipped with offices, a library, meeting rooms, a tranquil garden, and accommodation for field staff. 

SDF is dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities reliant on natural resources by securing their rights and promoting sustainable ecosystem management. Its mission is to reduce inequality and ensure fairness in natural resource and environmental governance. The foundation collaborates with local fishermen, farmers, forest dwellers, and upland communities to conserve and restore natural resources while advocating for inclusive development and good governance through grassroots policy influence. SDF’s Bangkok office focuses on sustainable coastal environment protection and social justice initiatives for fishing communities, while its Chiang Mai office works with forest dwellers and upland communities on their rights to natural resources and community-based forest protection. Additionally, SDF adopts a gender-sensitive approach, implementing projects that address gender equality and empower women. By raising awareness of gender roles and inequality, the foundation encourages women to actively participate in their communities, economic activities, and natural resource management, fostering a more equitable and sustainable future. 

The Future Just Mekong fellow will work with SDF staff to explore the housing rights of coastal communities, particularly those living on the water in estuary areas. Additionally, the fellow will study how these communities actively engage in advocating for their rights to protect natural resources and preserve their traditional fishing practices. The fellow will do her research as a short film documentary, which aims to highlight the challenges and resilience of these communities in safeguarding their livelihoods and cultural heritage. 

Sustainable Agriculture Foundation 

The Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (Thailand) (SAF), established in 1998, is a pioneering organization dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture as a pathway to self-reliance for farmers and communities amidst the challenges of globalization. Located in the suburbs, SAF shares its office space with other organizations and is renowned for its expansive permaculture vegetable garden, which serves as a hub for innovative farming practices and agroecological principles aimed at enhancing food security and environmental resilience. Initially focused on pilot projects to demonstrate sustainable practices, SAF has evolved to emphasize participatory research, knowledge development, and the integration of sustainable agriculture into broader food systems and policies. The foundation actively advocates farmer empowerment, fosters collaboration with related organizations, and works to build institutional capacity in sustainable agriculture. It also engages diverse societal groups, including the younger generation, to cultivate awareness and acceptance of sustainable agricultural practices. By addressing critical issues such as climate change adaptation and strengthening farmer-consumer relationships, SAF strives to transition society towards sustainable agriculture and food safety, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future. 

The Future Just Mekong fellow will collaborate with SAF staff in Nong Tao Village, Mae Wang District, Chiangmai to understand the climate challenges and adaptation strategies of Karen coffee growers, while recognizing that ethnic communities in forest and mountain areas face a complex web of issues beyond climate impacts. These include land rights, preserving traditional ways of life, navigating livelihood choices, and grappling with the dilemmas posed by the current economic model and their deeply held beliefs. This fellowship aims to provide an opportunity to explore these interconnected issues within the context of SAF's broader mission to transition society towards sustainable agriculture and food safety. 

fellows visit with cfnt

Climate Finance Network Thailand 

The Climate Finance Network Thailand (CFNT) is a think tank committed to advancing sustainable financial practices and fostering a transition to a low-carbon economy, consistently championing the integration of climate considerations into financial decision-making. Established in 2024, CFNT is the youngest among the five host organizations but has quickly made its mark by assembling a team of dedicated professionals and collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, from investors to regulators. Together, they aim to provide independent, professional and critical research and voice out to Thailand’s financial sector to be resilient and responsive to the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change. 

Led by Ms. Sarinee Achavanuntakul, a prominent Thai public intellectual known for her work on sustainability, social justice, and the intersection of finance with climate change and biodiversity, CFNT has already produced impactful research. This includes studies on the risks of continued investment in Oil & Gas, critiques and recommendations for the Thailand Power Development Plan 2024, and the potential of crowdfunding for residential solar installations. 

Building on this foundation, the Future Just Mekong fellow will collaborate with the CFNT team to explore Chinese renewable energy investments in Thailand, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. This research will examine whether and how such investments can contribute to an just energy transition, ensuring that the shift to renewable energy is equitable, inclusive, and aligned with broader climate goals. By integrating insights from CFNT’s expertise and networks, this collaboration aims to provide actionable recommendations for fostering sustainable and just energy transitions in Thailand and beyond.    

Towards Organic Asia 

Finally, the fellows visited Towards Organic Asia (TOA), a small yet impactful organization dedicated to fostering collaboration among organic agriculture cooperatives and networks across the Mekong region. Established in 2011, TOA envisions a future rooted in community spirit, economic sufficiency, and environmental stewardship, guided by the principles of organic agriculture and agroecology. To achieve this, TOA operates through four interconnected areas of focus: Training, which builds capacity and knowledge; Technology, which explores and adapts sustainable solutions; Advocacy, which champions policies supporting organic agriculture; and Youth, which engages and empowers the next generation of farmers and advocates. These areas represent concrete actions aimed at translating TOA’s vision into tangible outcomes. 

TOA brings together diverse stakeholders, fostering shared understanding and cooperation in agroecology and social wellbeing. Its ultimate goal is to construct sustainable food systems that generate positive environmental, social, economic, and political impacts. 

The Just Futures Mekong fellow will collaborate with TOA’s research buddy to focus on young farmers’ engagement in grassroots innovation. Together, they will study the challenges of seed sovereignty, as well as the adaptability and obstacles faced by young farmers working in organic agriculture, particularly in developing sustainable seeds. This work aims to strengthen regional seed sovereignty and agroecological systems, ensuring their resilience and long-term viability. This partnership aligns with TOA’s mission to empower communities and build resilient, sustainable food systems for the future, fostering environmental stewardship and economic sufficiency across the Mekong region. 

Conclusion 

Reflecting on the first workshop, we are reminded of the power of collaboration and the urgent need for transformative action to address the pressing challenges of our time. The insights gained from the workshop will undoubtedly inform and inspire the work of all fellows and research buddies as they continue their research work that contribute to a more sustainable and just future. All involved in the fellowship program hope to pave the way for a future that harmonizes environmental stewardship, economic sufficiency, and social wellbeing, ensuring a more equitable and thriving world for generations to come. 

EVENT (RESOURCES) : Launch of the Chulalongkorn University UNESCO Chair in Resource Governance and Futures Literacy [ 28 March 202 3 ]

Launch of the Chulalongkorn University UNESCO Chair in Resource Governance and Futures Literacy

28 March 2023, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand 

Co-organized by Chulalongkorn University UNESCO Chair in Resource Governance and Futures Literacy; Center for Social Development Studies (CSDS), Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University; Office of International Affairs and Global Network, Chulalongkorn University; and Japan Society for International Development (JASID)

On the morning of 28 March 2023, Chulalongkorn University was honored to host the launch of the “Chulalongkorn University UNESCO Chair in Resource Governance and Futures Literacy.”

Further details on the program of the launch can be found here.

A recording of the full morning’s program can be viewed here.

[EVENT RESOURCES] : Transdisciplinarity for Global Sustainable Development [24 January 2023]

This event was co- organized by M.A. and Ph.D. Program in International Development Studies (MAIDS-GRID) and Center for Social Development Studies (CSDS), Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University; School for Cross-faculty Studies, The University of Warwick; and Chulalongkorn University UNESCO Chair in Resource Governance and Futures Literacy.

Speakers

Opening remarks:

• Dr. Bhanubhatra Jittiang, Assistant Dean for International Affairs and Director of the M.A. and Ph.D. Program in International Development Studies (MAIDS-GRID)

Speakers:

• Dr. Naruemon Thabchumpon, Associate Professor and Director of Asian Research Center for Migration (ARCM), Chulalongkorn University

• Dr. Marta Guerriero, Associate Professor and Head of International Partnerships, Global Sustainable Development, School for Cross-faculty Studies, The University of Warwick

• Dr. Carl Middleton, Assistant Professor and Director of Center for Social Development Studies (CSDS), Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University

Chair:

• Dr. Jessica Savage-Wilkes, Associate Professor, Global Sustainable Development, School for Cross-faculty Studies, The University of Warwick

Concluding remarks:

• Dr. Stephanie Panichelli, Professor and Head of School, School for Cross-faculty Studies, The University of Warwick

A recorded video can be found here.

EVENT REPORT: Knowing the Salween River: Resource Politics of a Contested Transboundary River [Bangkok, 7 September 2019]

The Salween River, shared by China, Myanmar, and Thailand, is increasingly at the heart of pressing regional development debates. The basin supports the livelihoods of over 10 million people, and within it there is great socioeconomic, cultural and political diversity. The basin is witnessing intensifying dynamics of resource extraction, alongside large dam construction, conservation and development intervention that is unfolding within a complex terrain of local, national and transnational governance.

With a focus on the contested politics of water and associated resources in the Salween basin, on September 7, 2019, Center for Social Development Studies organized a seminar on "Knowing the Salween River: Resource Politics of a Contested Transboundary River". The seminar explored the possible futures of the Salween basin through the lens of: resource politics; politics of knowledge making; and reconciling knowledge across divides. The seminar also launched the new book: “Knowing the Salween River: Resource Politics of a Contested Transboundary River”.

The Dean of the Faculty of Political Science, Asst. Prof. Dr. Ake Tangsupvattana, welcomed the participants by reflecting how the Salween River basin is at the cross-roads of a major political and development transition. Within the basin, there is intensifying resource extraction alongside dam construction, conservation projects and other forms of development intervention. He also highlighted the important contribution that research can make toeards ensuring inclusive, sustainable and fair development within the Salween basin.

The first session, chaired by Vanessa Lamb from the University of Melbourne, explored the theme around resource politics and Salween River. Carl Middleton from the Center for Social Development Studies, Chulalongkorn University explored the many possible alternatives for the Nu River, from hydropower construction to national park creation, but not every pathway has been given equal consideration, concluding that decision-making about which development pathway is chosen for the future for the Nu River, should be inclusive, informed and accountable with the rights of ethnic communities recognized. Alec Scott from Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN) talked about hydropower politics and conflict on the Salween River, explaining how Civil Society Organisations have been working across multiple scales. He also explained how collaborations between local communities, CSOs and Ethnic Armed Organisations have reconceptualized and decentralized water governance in the context of unresolved armed conflict.  Laofang Bundidterdsakul from Legal Advocacy Center for Indigenous Communities (LACIC) reflected on the ongoing conflict between the national forest law and community livelihood in Thailand, and how the community were criminalized for using land and forest resources using the preservation areas declaration. He highlighted how the community should have the legal rights to get compensation from the products from the land and forest, as well as being involved in decision making since they should be regarded as affected people.

The second session, chaired by Professor Saw Win, retired Rector of Maubin University in Myanmar, explored the theme around the politics of knowledge making. Mar Mar Aye from Lashio University presented on the importance of understanding the traditional knowledge and practice in the Salween River basin especially on the use of the diverse plants by indigenous communities. These practice are being threatened by a range of factors including deforestation and agricultural expansion. Paiboon Hengsuwan from Chiang Mai University, explained the simplistic rendering of complex Salween Communities in their negotiation for development in Thailand. Saw Tha Poe, also from KESAN, presented on the lessons learned from Daw La Lake and Kaw Ku Island, Karen State, in regards to community-based water governance.  He also gave recommendation for the government to prioritize peace and political settlement as well as to prioritize trans-boundary river management.

The third session, chaired by John Dore, Lead Water Specialist from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia, explored the theme around reconciling knowledge across divides. Vanessa Lamb presented on the effort to think about the Salween across knowledge divides. The key messages from the presentation includes a different approach on state of knowledge, recognizing history and contributions across knowledge divides, values in addition to threats and maintain room for critique and collaboration. Cherry Aung from Pathein University provided information on current situation of governance and fisheries of the Salween River estuary with the focus on the community fishery livelihoods and the socio-economic change in the villages. She also highlighted how the Salween River estuary is facing pressures from a number of ecological and anthropogenic stressors. Khin Sandar Aye from Loikaw University shared key finding from her study in Bawlakhe District, Kayah State, Myanmar, that forest depletion and changes in land utilization have caused changes in the local economy. Her recommendation is that the government should promote community-based natural resource management in villages.

The fourth session, chaired by Carl Middleton, explored the theme around the future of the Salween River from the policy, politics, and practice. Khin Maung Lwin, advisor to the National Water Resources Committee, Myanmar, presented the various ways of advocacy on positioning the Salween River in Myanmar’s river politics. He shared his ideas on water governance in Salween River and also the importance of dialogues with relevant stakeholders including governments, armed groups, developers and business sectors. Nang Shining from Weaving Bonds across Borders and Mong Pan Youth Association explained her work on collaborating with partner organisations to empower the women and youth to have a more active role in sustainable development. She highlighted how ethnic groups should have a primary role in water management across different scales, and also women, children and vulnerable group should be the major concerns in the decision-making processes, and should be involved as part of accountable and transparent decision-making processes. Youth should have the opportunity to be involved in all the above processes and activities. Pianporn Deetes from International Rivers presented on local community activism on transboundary river protection under military control in Thailand and her concern for justice and peace in the Salween River. She highlighted that on moving forward, ensuring a peaceful existence of ethnic peoples in the basin and clear pathway for justice must come first.

The presentations from this public forum can be accessed here. All of the sessions were broadcast on Facebook Live and can also be viewed on the above link.

*Report written by Anisa Widyasari, Communications Coordinator at CSDS

EVENT [RESOURCES]: Knowing the Salween River: Resource Politics of a Contested Transboundary River [Bangkok, 7 September 2019]

On September 7, 2019, Center for Social Development Studies organized a seminar on "Knowing the Salween River: Resource Politics of a Contested Transboundary River". The seminar also launched the new book: “Knowing the Salween River: Resource Politics of a Contested Transboundary River”.

The seminar discussed how Salween River, shared by China, Myanmar, and Thailand, is increasingly at the heart of pressing regional development debates. The basin supports the livelihoods of over 10 million people, and within it there is great socioeconomic, cultural and political diversity. The basin is witnessing intensifying dynamics of resource extraction, alongside large dam construction, conservation and development intervention, that is unfolding within a complex terrain of local, national and transnational governance. With a focus on the contested politics of water and associated resources in the Salween basin, the seminar explored the possible futures of the Salween basin through the lens of: resource politics; politics of knowledge making; and reconciling knowledge across divides.

Presentations file:

Panel 1: Resource politics and the Salween River

Chair: Vanessa Lamb, University of Melbourne

• “From Hydropower Construction to National Park Creation: Changing Pathways of the Nu River” by Carl Middleton, Chulalongkorn University [with Chen Xiangxue]

• “Hydropower Politics and Conflict on the Salween River” by Alec Scott, Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN) [with Carl Middleton and Vanessa Lamb]

• “Local Context, National Law: The Rights of Karen People on the Salween River in Thailand“ by Laofang Bundidterdsakul, Legal Advocacy Center for Indigenous Communities (LACIC)

Panel 2: Politics of knowledge making

Chair: Professor Saw Win, Retired Rector of Maubin University

• “An Ethnobotanical Survey in Shan State, Myanmar: Where Thanlwin Biodiversity, Health, and Deforestation Meet” by Mar Mar Aye, Lashio University [with with Swe Swe Win]

• ‘'Not only Anti-dam: Simplistic Rendering of Complex Salween Communities in Their Negotiation for Development in Thailand” by Paiboon Hengsuwan, Chiang Mai University

• “Opportunities and Challenges for Salween Water Governance: Lessons learned from Daw La Lake and Kaw Ku Island, Karen State” by Saw Tha Phoe

Panel 3: Reconciling knowledge across divides

Chair: John Dore, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia

• “A State of Knowledge of the Salween River: An Overview of Civil Society Research” by Vanessa Lamb, University of Melbourne [with Carl Middleton, Saw John Bright, Saw Tha Phoe, Naw Aye Aye Myaing, Nang Hom Kham, Sai Aum Khay, Nang Sam Paung Hom, Nang Aye Tin, Nang Shining, Yu Xiaogang, Chen Xiangxue and Chayan Vaddhanaphuti]

• “Fisheries and Socio-economic Change in the Thanlwin River Estuary in Mon and Kayin State, Myanmar” by Cherry Aung, Pathein University

• “The Impact of Land Cover Changes on Socio-economic Conditions in Bawlakhe District, Kayah State” by Khin Sandar Aye, Loikaw University [with Khin Khin Htay]

Panel 4: The future of the Salween River: Policy, politics, and practice

Chair: Carl Middleton, Chulalongkorn University

• “Positioning the Salween in Myanmar’s River Politics” by Khin Maung Lwin, Advisor to the National Water Resources Committee, Myanmar

• “What’s Next for the River? Is the Thanlwin ‘Under Threat’ or ‘on the Thread’” by Nang Shining, Weaving Bonds Across Borders and Mong Pan Youth Association

• “Salween as a Site for Transboundary Justice and Activism” by Pianporn Deetes, International Rivers

Facebook Live Feed:

EVENT [RESOURCES]: Why Money and Disequilibrium Matter to Economics [Bangkok, 14 March 2019]

Public Lecture by Professor Steve Keen

Honorary Professor, University College London Institute for Strategy, Resilience & Security (UCL ISRS) Distinguished Research Fellow, Crowdfunded Professor of Economics on Patreon

Presentation: Why Debt and Disequilibrium Matter

Economist (or as he prefers, anti-economist) Steve Keen joins us to unveil the role of money in economics and how the idea of equilibrium leads us astray. He will also explain what it means to have become the crowdfunded Professor of Economics, and why most of the things many people, within and outside academia, believe about the world of economics, finance and business are simply wrong.

Awarded the Revere Prize for most accurately forecasting the Global Financial Crisis, Professor Keen remains the leading global expert on the role of money, finance and debt in the modern world, from Australia’s property bubble, through to the list of countries he describes as the Walking Dead of Debt.