For Indigenous Karen communities, the Bweloklo River is more than a source of food. It holds deep cultural and spiritual significance and is governed through customary rules that reflect long-standing relationships between communities and their environment. However, due to ongoing conflict in the region, it’s rich ecological biodiversity and cultural heritage has remained undocumented.
Working in close collaboration with local leaders, elders, fishers, women and youth, the KESAN research team combined Western scientific identification methods with Indigenous Karen ecological knowledge, an approach increasingly recognised as essential for effective and equitable conservation. The research was supported by IUCN’s Building River Dialogue and Governance (BRIDGE) project, which aims to build water governance capacities through learning, demonstration, leadership, and consensus building, in transboundary river basins.
Over the course of the project, researchers surveyed seven streams, two lakes and one paddy field. The study recorded 46 fish species, including four species previously not documented in science, revealing high levels of biodiversity. These findings imply that the Bweloklo basin remains relatively intact and ecologically diverse, despite growing concerns among communities about declining fish populations and environmental pressures.
The research also documented local fish management practices that support sustainable harvest, including seasonal restrictions, protected fish sanctuaries and ceremonial practices such as water ordination ceremonies. Before surveys began, communities carried out these rituals to show respect for the river and its life, demonstrating how cultural values and conservation outcomes are closely intertwined.
In addition to species inventories, the team collected water quality data to establish a baseline for monitoring seasonal changes and population trends, particularly for rare or declining species. All findings have been compiled into a fish inventory database and published in a community-accessible report, strengthening local ownership of the data.
“We do not recognise how many fish species exist in our area. We cannot even name all of them, so this research is very useful and important for understanding our resources,” said Saw Lay Ker, Chairperson of Luthaw Township and an Indigenous knowledge expert. “It helps us to gain knowledge of our own fish biodiversity and to understand the need for ongoing studies to better manage and protect these species.”
Beyond its scientific contributions, the project has strengthened community capacity and interest in river protection. Building on this foundation, KESAN aims to continue training in fish identification, expand surveys to other rivers, and support habitat restoration and spawning protection. The results of the study will contribute to ongoing discussions on water governance in the Salween River under IUCN’s BRIDGE project, highlighting the importance of Indigenous knowledge and customary law for biodiversity and ecosystem integrity.
