Fifteen young people from the Salween river basin in Myanmar completed the Salween Youth Engagement Programme in March 2026, concluding six months of training and research that explored the ecological, cultural, and governance dimensions of the Salween. The activities prepared the youth to become informed and locally rooted leaders who help their communities protect the Salween River, one of the last largely free-flowing rivers in Southeast Asia.
The Salween Youth Engagement Programme is part of IUCN’s pioneering Building River Dialogue and Governance (BRIDGE) programme, which aims to build water governance capacities through learning, demonstration, leadership, and consensus-building in transboundary river basins. The programme consisted of intensive in-person education and coaching sessions, followed by four research projects that were supported with micro-grants. The programme featured a ‘heart’ component to strengthen the participants’ conservation motivation, and a ‘head’ component to increase their understanding of the ecology in the Salween basin and equip them with the skills needed to conduct their field research.
The Heart Connection
Through guided meditations, journalling, and reflections, participants explored their personal relationship with the Salween. Drawing on the rich cultural and faith-based traditions of their communities and their own life experiences, they deepened their relationship with the Salween River and their commitment to conserving the Salween for future generations.
During this part of the programme, the youth noted the healing potential of nature in their turbulent lives. A young participant contemplated that ‘nature means the freedom from being stressful’, which one of her course mates echoed by stating that ‘nature is my motivator and destresses me’. Another participant noted that ‘nature is peace of mind and so destroying nature is destroying our own peace of mind’.
A shared love for the Salween also informed the bond between the youths, who hailed from different ethnic, religious and social backgrounds, as they undertook their research projects together.
The Head Connection
Technical experts from IUCN Myanmar provided training on the geography, hydrology, and biodiversity of the Salween River. Youth were taught about freshwater ecosystems, nature conservation principles, field research, and project management skills. Equipped with a sharpened understanding of the Salween River’s ecology and their own important role in protecting it, the participants then formed four teams to research critical issues affecting biodiversity in the areas of the Salween River where they live.
Their research findings showed the impact of fish farming on biodiversity in the river in Shan State, especially from harmful waste disposal practices. They also provided a better understanding of local fishing techniques and traditional fish conservation practices. One team’s biodiversity assessment found 23 species of fish near the confluence of the Salween and Nam Pang rivers, including invasive species. These findings will be combined with the previous Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Report of the proposed Thousand Island Conserved Area (TICA). The combined findings will be shared with local communities and used in awareness-raising events to support the establishment of the TICA.
“When we hear someone mention the Salween River or when we read something about the Salween River, it reminds us of home. Shan people cannot live without the river" - Community member interviewed by youth as part of the training programme in Kunhing, Shan State
Research on the cultural and spiritual importance of the Salween for communities found the river played an important role in local beliefs and practices. This dynamic was found to take the form of customary fish-release practices, fire- and water-related festivals, community driftwood collection events, and a connection to the river in local wedding and funeral ceremonies. Often interwoven with Buddhist, Hindu, and spirit-based practices, the researchers noted the potential for cultural festivals to be leveraged for community engagement and environmental awareness, though they also raised concerns about the impacts of plastic pollution caused by festivals held on the riverbanks.
The facilitators noticed growing confidence among the participants as they became more enthusiastic and delivered continually improved research as the programme progressed. Even more so than in times of peace, nature conservation in conflict contexts relies on personal relationships with nature and the efforts of local communities. The alumni of the Salween Youth Engagement Programme stand ready to lead future biodiversity conservation projects in their communities.
Looking ahead, IUCN’s BRIDGE programme aims to continue strengthening youth empowerment in the Salween River Basin. By working closely with local youth and communities, building on existing community knowledge, and promoting inclusive river governance and cross-border collaboration, BRIDGE envisions a future where the ecosystems of the Salween are safeguarded so that they can continue to sustain biodiversity, culture, and livelihoods for generations to come.
