Community environmental education and the roles of international aid agencies : a case study of Mai Ja Yang Community, Kachin State, Myanmar

Abstract

This research investigates the impacts of the community environmental education program implemented by the Pan Kachin Development Society Environmental project in Mai Ja Yang, Kachin State, Myanmar. The study aims to ascertain the role of international aid agencies in this post-political conflict region. A participatory approach was employed in field research, and an outcome-based evaluation comprising the planning-process-product model was applied for measuring the impacts of the program. Measurements were derived from the qualitative data collected based on the activities of two key villages, namely: Prang Ngwan and Seng Mai Pa. There were 48 participants in the research representing several key stakeholders. The research findings revealed that the participants obtained more knowledge and understanding in: conservation awareness, problem identification, and community waste management practices. As a result, staff capacity building took place to ensure that further activities corresponded to community needs. Based on the evidence acquired from this research, international aid agencies have a key role in post-conflict regions to provide resources for the local NGO to: facilitate environmental education and activities, conduct capacity building for social workers and youth leaders, and continue mediation between communities and local government to prevent future conflicts while ensuring positive local environmental outcomes and the development of the community.