A photo exhibition focusing on the importance of peace, traditional customs and efforts to help protect the environment will be open to the public at Maha Bandula Park in Yangon from February 19th to March 14th.
The event is called the Salween Peace Park Photo Exhibition, and the Campaign Coordinator, Saw Dar Poe said “this is the first peace-related photo exhibition to be presented to the public. Photos are printed at vinyl size. There are photos of the Salween Peace Park statement as well as the research related to wildlife. In addition, reports on orchids will be distributed.”
Saw Dar Poe added “our planet, which is prone to climate change and extinction, is a place for an invaluable multicultural and cultural heritage. However, we have many challenges. For example, Tatmadaw’s road construction project is threatening the livelihood of the people living around the Salween Peace Park.”
The Peace Park encompasses 1,355,580 acre of land situated west of the Salween River in the Karen National Union (KNU) controlled area called Mutraw in Hpapun district in Hpapun Township.
The Peace Park ironically is located near Tatmadaw military camps and KNU forces, both of which have been accused of spreading landmines. In addition there have been other acts of violence and military aggression.
It is believed the Tatmadaw uses spy drones to monitor a KNU military base. Earlier this year a Tatmadaw officer was killed in a landmine explosion, resulting in the situation between the two armed groups [Tatmadaw and KNU] intensifying.
Following the landmine incident the KNU sent an objection letter to the South Eastern Command and Commander of the Southern Command regarding the Tatmadaw firing artillery into the KNU controlled territory in recent days.
Since the KNU and the government began the peace process in 2012, the Salween Peace Park’s ratification that embodies aspirations for genuine peace and self-determination, environmental integrity and cultural preservation was approved on December 18th in 2018.
