Indigenous Woman Voice on Biodiversity: Ms. Malijwan Teja, Thailand

Nature is Our Root. Our Life.

In the mountains of Northern Thailand, the Karen Indigenous Peoples of Mae Yang Min village are protecting biodiversity through Indigenous Knowledge, sacred traditions, and community-driven conservation.

As we celebrate the International #BiodiversityDay, we honor the voice of Ms. Malijwan Teja, a young Karen woman growing up with the forest, the rivers, and the wisdom of Karen Indigenous Peoples.

“Biodiversity is our culture, our identity, and the future we’re building. We create firebreaks, protect sacred forests, and honor the spirits of land and water. As a young Karen woman, I know that Indigenous youth and women are key to protecting and carrying forward our knowledge,” says Ms. Malijwan Teja, Indigenous Youth leader of Mae Yang Min Village

Watch this powerful story of intergenerational leadership, biodiversity protection, and Indigenous Knowledge in action.