Rights and Networks Project
The Rights and Networks Project of the Upland Holistic Development Foundation (UHDF) aims to promote knowledge and understanding among upland ethnic communities so that they can recognize and access their rights, particularly those related to their livelihoods, natural resource management, and access to government services.
UHDF works closely with communities and watershed networks to encourage people to participate in managing and caring for their natural resources in ways that reflect their local context, traditional ways of life, and indigenous knowledge. The program also builds cooperation among communities, churches, government agencies, and partner networks to promote knowledge sharing, coordination, and mutual support.
The work on rights and networks is not only about helping communities understand their rights, but also about strengthening their capacity to exercise their rights, participate in decision-making, manage natural resources, and connect with different networks. These efforts contribute to greater equality and stronger, more resilient communities.
The heart of the Project is:
“Know your rights, access your rights, participate, and build collective strength through networks.”
Projects Creating Change in Communities and Watershed Networks
Community Master Plan Development
Many ethnic communities living within the watershed areas are located in satellite villages that have limited access to government services and welfare. As a result, they may not receive adequate development of essential infrastructure needed for their daily lives. Therefore, developing a Community Master Plan is important to help communities identify and communicate their needs, challenges, and development priorities, while providing a tool for coordinating with relevant agencies and promoting development that reflects the local context and the needs of community members. Read more…..
Community Capacity Building Project (Leaders, Youth, and Women)
Community capacity building is a process that encourages community members and local organizations to actively participate in and take ownership of development activities. It focuses on strengthening the knowledge, skills, capacities, and readiness of communities to address challenges and lead their own development.
This process emphasizes effective community management, making the best use of available resources, and building partnerships with organizations and agencies that have relevant knowledge and expertise. These partnerships help strengthen communities so they can develop and carry out activities effectively and continuously, with leaders, youth, and women playing important roles in driving positive change within their communities. Read more…
Community Forest Registration Promotion Project
Community forests are important areas for upland ethnic communities whose livelihoods and ways of life have long been closely connected to the forest. Community members participate in protecting, managing, and using forest resources appropriately, while collectively establishing boundaries, rules, and guidelines for resource use that reflect their local context and traditional ways of life.
The use of forest resources should take into account seasonal cycles and the natural capacity of resources to regenerate and replenish. This helps maintain the balance of nature, wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems while preserving the traditional knowledge, culture, and ways of life of ethnic communities.
Encouraging ethnic communities to participate in community forest management and registration is therefore an important approach to strengthening communities and supporting long-term forest conservation led by the people who live in and depend on these forests.Read more…..
Community Leader Network Development Project (Watershed Networks)
Community leaders play a vital role in driving development within their communities. They serve as a bridge between the community and external organizations, representing and communicating the community’s views, needs, and concerns. They help coordinate and build cooperation to address issues related to community life, such as land rights, community forest management, natural resource and environmental conservation, as well as economic and social development.
For upland ethnic communities, strengthening the capacity of community leaders is particularly important. It enables communities to communicate their needs, access relevant information and services, and participate more effectively in decision-making and shaping the direction of their own community development. Read more…
