The Affirmation of Culture and Bio-diversity Conservation (ACBC)
The Affirmation of Culture and Bio-diversity Conservation (ACBC) project includes Indigenous peoples from Burma, three provinces of SW-China (Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan), Vietnam, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Thailand (upland areas). It involves the establishment of Topic Working Groups which facilitate networks of exchange, joint research and advocacy surrounding the issues of culture and bio-diversity by protecting, preserving and promoting Indigenous Knowledge.
The Topic Working Groups currently in operation are Rotational Farming, Eco-agriculture and Indigenous seeds, Herbal Medicine, Arts and Crafts, Indigenous Youth and Indigenous Education.
The activities of the Topic Working Groups include:
Rotational Farming
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Case studies on three Karen villages carried out and published in March 2006.
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Swidden farmer workshop in Xishuangbanna, China, mid March 2006, with participants from Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and China, in coordination with Yunnan University and the Tropical Botanical Garden in Menglun.
Herbal Medicine
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Training of women healers of 40 Hmong communities in Northern Thailand by the elders/recognised Hmong healers
Arts and Crafts
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First encounter of Lisu musicians in Pai in April 2005
Indigenous Youth
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In coordination with ITEC (from IMPECT) and the Highland Development Foundation from Chiang Rai IKAP supported the first Youth training of 40 young IK researchers.
Indigenous Education
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Working group meeting in Chiang Mai
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Indigenous Education workshop in Mae Sareang, Mae Hong Son, Thailand, in May 2006
