Our Vision
“Creating innovative and self-reliant ways of life for upland ethnic communities in East Asia for a sustainable future.”
The Upland Development Project (UHDP) was established in 1996 by American missionary couple Richard R. and Ellen H. Burnette from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF). UHDP was a public-benefit organization under the Christian Service Foundation (Baptist), the Church of Christ in Thailand. The project promoted holistic development in upland communities, including agroforestry, forest and water resource conservation, land management, forest and soil conservation, improvement of upland agricultural areas, community forest management, home gardening, savings groups, gender roles, and human rights.
In 2021, UHDP became the Upland Holistic Development Foundation (UHDF). Today, UHDF works through four main areas: environmental restoration, community economic development, rights and networks, and ethics and social development (spirituality). The organization works with disadvantaged communities and diverse ethnic groups across border areas in Southeast Asia. Richard R. and Ellen H. Burnette
Founders
In 2021, UHDP became the Upland Holistic Development Foundation (UHDF). Today, UHDF works through four main areas: environmental restoration, community economic development, rights and networks, and ethics and social development (spirituality). The organization works with disadvantaged communities and diverse ethnic groups across border areas in Southeast Asia. Richard R. and Ellen H. Burnette
Founders
Our Mission
Protecting, restoring, and conserving ecosystems and natural resources through the social and cultural context and indigenous knowledge of upland ethnic communities.
Applying the New Theory based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, promoting mutual self-reliance, support, and interdependence.
Promoting citizenship based on fraternity, equality, peace, responsibility, and universal human rights principles.
Nurturing upland ethnic communities to develop knowledge and moral values grounded in ethical principles and faith in God.
Creating learning centers and sharing innovations, technologies, and skills in seedling production, seed banks, and local livestock.
Core values of the organization
Educating yourself before creating and nurturing others and communities.
Development focuses on the body, body, mind and spirit.
Creating people with value Value and value, honor, dignity, glory
To be a model for a complete transformation of excellence, prevention, treatment, correction
Adhere to norms, ethics, belief in God and good governance, transparency, validation, participation.
Our Organizational Objectives
- To empower upland ethnic communities with awareness and knowledge to protect, conserve, restore, and make the best sustainable use of natural ecosystems.
- To provide upland ethnic communities with opportunities for education and learning based on the principles of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, fostering a sense of moderation and contentment.
- To foster responsible and harmonious citizenship based on fraternity, equality, peace, and universal human rights principles.
- To develop approaches that nurture and empower people with knowledge, integrity, ethical values, and a deep respect for nature.
- To enhance capacity, competencies, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, while maximizing the use of the Center’s resources and learning facilities.
Community Development Programs
- Natural Resources Restoration and Conservation Program: Soil, Water, and Forests
- Community Economic Development Program (Food Security and VSLA Savings Groups)
- Human Rights Promotion Program (Natural Resource Management and Access to Government Services)
- Spiritual Renewal Curriculum Program
What Does the UHDF Center Offer?
- Learning Centers
- Producing various seedlings and livestock breeds to support community development activities.
- Testing and researching appropriate technologies for further development.
- Collecting and preserving local plant and rice varieties for research.
