30 Years of Upland Community Development
Over the past 30 years, the Upland Holistic Development Foundation (UHDF) has walked alongside ethnic communities in the uplands of Northern Thailand, guided by the belief that sustainable development begins with recognizing human dignity, caring for forests and watersheds, and creating economic opportunities that communities can manage independently.
The Beginning of Change
I came to Thailand in August 1994 to work with the Dara-ang community. After studying Thai in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, I moved to Fang District to begin working in the community. In 1996, I helped establish the Upland Development Project to promote sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, mountain water systems, women’s development, and human rights, particularly by helping villagers gain access to Thai citizenship.
I worked in Thailand for approximately 19 years and was involved with the Upland Development Project for around 15 years. I am proud of the team that has dedicated itself to serving communities and of the opportunity to witness and demonstrate the love and justice of Jesus Christ through community development.
Richard R. and Ellen H. Burnette(Founder of the Organization)
30 Years of Improving Lives, Restoring the Environment, and Creating Innovations to Move Forward
Improving Lives, Restoring the Environment, and Creating Innovations to Move Forward
For 30 years, the Upland Holistic Development Foundation (UHDF) has walked alongside ethnic communities in the uplands of Northern Thailand, guided by the belief that “sustainable development” begins with recognizing human dignity, caring for forests and watersheds, and creating economic opportunities that communities can manage for themselves.
From a small beginning in 1996 to working alongside communities across multiple watersheds over three decades, the story of UHDF is not only the story of an organization. It is the story of people, communities, forests, and the transformation that becomes possible when we walk together.
A Beginning Rooted in a Heart of Service
The story began in 1996, when American missionary couple Rick and Elaine Burnett, from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, helped establish the Upland Development Project (UHDP) under the Christian Service Foundation (Baptist), affiliated with the Christian Council of Thailand.
Although the organization began without extensive resources, it was founded on faith and a heart for service, with a commitment to walk alongside Dara-ang, Lahu, Akha, Karen, and Kachin communities. The goal was to help people improve their quality of life with dignity and to participate in managing the resources within their own communities.
From Access to Clean Water to Rights and Dignity
During its first decade, the organization focused on laying the foundations for community well-being, including water supply systems, water tanks, infrastructure development, human rights, and citizenship.
Providing legal support to villagers facing land and citizenship issues became an important part of the work. Many communities received assistance in the process of establishing their legal status, enabling many Dara-ang people to be formally documented and obtain Thai citizenship in accordance with the law.
At the same time, UHDF supported community organizing and networking so that people could stand together to protect their rights and shape their own future.
From Protecting Rights to Caring for the Land
During the second decade, the organization expanded its work from the community level to policy engagement, particularly on land rights, livelihoods, and housing. UHDF and its networks also worked closely with communities affected by the forest reclamation policies implemented between 2014 and 2016.
During this period, natural resource management became increasingly important, including water system development, soil conservation, agroforestry, and community forest restoration.
Entering the Third Decade
From 2017 onward, UHDF expanded its work across several watersheds while strengthening community self-reliance through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), Back yard Farming, agroforestry, nurseries, community forests, and watershed restoration.
In 2021, the Upland Development Project/UHDP was officially transformed into the Upland Holistic Development Foundation/UHDF, marking an important new chapter in strengthening the organization’s mission and expanding its partnership with communities.
30 Years of Change Rooted in Communities
Over the past 30 years, UHDF has worked across four key areas: environment, community economy, rights and networks, and social and spiritual development.
From small nurseries to millions of trees planted, from small savings groups to stronger community savings practices, and from supporting the rights of a few communities to building stronger networks—the journey has continued to grow.
Numbers may show the scale of the work, but what matters most is the lives that have changed, the communities that have grown stronger, and the forests that have been restored.
30 Years—We Did Not Walk Alone
On February 14, 2026, UHDF held its 30th anniversary celebration at the UHDF office in Mae Na Wang Subdistrict, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai, under the theme:
“30 Years of Improving Lives, Restoring the Environment, and Creating Innovations to Move Forward“
More than 206 staff members, partners, government representatives, donors, board members, and community representatives joined the celebration. It was an important opportunity to reflect on the journey so far and to give thanks to everyone who has walked alongside us.
Messages from friends, partners, and faith leaders in Thailand and around the world expressed their joy in seeing UHDF grow and become a blessing to communities for more than 30 years. They also shared prayers for God’s guidance and blessing as the mission moves forward.
From the Past to the Future
The past three decades have shown that when human dignity, environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and the pursuit of rights move forward together, sustainable change is possible.
Thirty years of UHDF is not the end of the journey. It is a foundation for the road ahead.
For secure and dignified lives.
For strong and resilient communities.
For healthy and restored forests.
And for a just society for everyone living in the uplands.
30 Years of Improving Lives, Restoring the Environment, and Creating Innovations to Move Forward
“Congratulations on 30 years of ministry! Blessings on your next 30 years.”
“May the Lord keep you moving up as you build hope for many.”
“Wishing continued growth and success in advancing sustainable highland development.”
“Love UHDF.”
These words are more than expressions of congratulations. They are encouragement, prayers, and a testament that UHDF’s impact has taken deep root in people’s lives, in the forests, and across a global network of relationships.
The past 30 years have been a testimony to faithful service, while the next 30 years mark the beginning of a new hope—moving forward once again with faith, love, and commitment to improving lives, restoring the environment, and creating a sustainable future together.
Message from the Director
“Three Decades of Faith, Forests, People, and Deep-Rooted Change”
Thirty years have passed. Yet this is not merely a story of time—it is a record of faith, perseverance, and a shared journey between people and forests, communities and rights, and hope and a sustainable future.
Since the Upland Holistic Development Foundation/UHDF was born from a small dream, we have remained committed to a simple yet powerful principle: “Understand, walk alongside, and develop with respect for the roots and identity of the communities we serve.”
Over the past three decades, we have walked together with ethnic communities to build pathways toward self-reliance, strengthen local economies through savings groups, restore forests and bring life back to the land, and create spaces of hope and learning for young people. Most importantly, we have worked together to uphold the dignity of communities and their right to manage their own resources.
This 30-year journey could never have happened alone. It has been made possible through the faith, sacrifice, and collective efforts of many—community members, networks and partners, our dedicated staff, and supporters who recognize the value of deep and sustainable development.
Today, we may not yet have reached the finish line, but we are walking on a path filled with meaning.
As Director, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for every step you have taken alongside us. I pray that our work will continue to be rooted in God’s love, justice, and hope.
“We will continue to plant forests that nurture life, strengthen hearts with faith, build food security through safe and diverse food systems, lay foundations through savings, empower communities to stand strong in their rights, and build a secure future together.”
Jamlong Pawkham
Director, Upland Holistic Development Foundation (UHDF)
Voices from the Community
“On behalf of the farmers of Ban Mae Ta Chang in the Mae Ta Chang Watershed, I would like to sincerely thank UHDF for supporting us. UHDF did not simply come to provide knowledge; they came to be with us and walk alongside our community.
Since UHDF began working with our community, we have participated in many activities, including establishing VSLA savings groups, livelihood training, improved agricultural practices, tree planting, forest restoration, and caring for our water sources. These activities have created many opportunities for our community to learn and work together.
Since establishing the VSLA savings group, we have learned how to save money and plan our household finances. When someone faces difficulties, we can support one another instead of relying on informal lenders as we did in the past. Our community has become closer and more united.
We have also planted trees, restored forests, and learned to care for our soil, water, and forests. We have come to understand that the forest is our life. When the forest is healthy and abundant, our community can live securely.
We are happy and proud to be part of this work—not simply as people receiving support, but as people who have stood up and taken action to develop our own community.
Finally, I would like to thank UHDF and everyone who has supported us. We hope that together, we can continue caring for our community and the Mae Ta Chang Watershed so that it remains healthy and thriving for many years to come.”**
Representative of Farmers from Ban Mae Ta Chang, Mae Ta Chang Watershed
30 Years of Development
The Upland Holistic Development Foundation (UHDF) has created a positive impact on ethnic communities in the uplands by restoring natural resources, strengthening local economies through savings groups, promoting community rights, and working together with churches and local networks. These efforts have helped communities become stronger, more resilient, and increasingly self-reliant in a sustainable way.
3.5M
Tree Planting Statistics
102
VSLA Savings Groups
1,281
Participating Families
86
Partnering with Churches
