Integral Ecology Project in Yangon
Context and history of the project
Four years after the February 2021 coup
While international attention remains focused on the conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine, Myanmar continues to endure a civil war involving the military, ethnic minorities, and civilians. The future outcome remains uncertain as the Burmese people maintain a complex resistance, both peaceful and armed. The nation has suffered severe setbacks in development, returning to the economic conditions of 30 years ago. Many find themselves unemployed and struggling with food insecurity.
Current challenges
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Daily power outages
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High inflation in essential goods (food, fuel, electricity)
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Increased insecurity due to hunger-induced theft
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Civilian casualties and youth conscription
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Mass emigration and economic decline
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Feeling of hopelessness among young people across the country
Project Overview
Youth Development Center (YLDC)
The Yangon Youth Development Center, managed by Fondacio Myanmar, offers a nine-month training program, created in 2016 to improve youth employability and develop future community leaders. With a focus on disadvantaged youth, this year's 2026 program is primarily aimed at women, addressing the issue of conscription and aligning with the Opportunity for Women initiative, which supports environmental training for young women.
Introduction to the Integral Ecology Project
In response to Opportunity for Women's call to develop urban agriculture training for women in Yangon, Roger Martin, head of Fondacio Myanmar, launched an ecological project at the Fondacio center in Yangon. These complement existing youth training and food distribution efforts, aimed at empowering disadvantaged communities (especially women) through education and ecological resources.
John Jahkang, trained in permaculture, climate change, and integral ecology, leads these activities, teaching both YLDC students and local residents the principles of sustainable agriculture and ecology.
Project objectives
Deliver an urban agriculture training program: Provide demonstration-based training for women in Yangon to promote urban agriculture.
Promote environmental awareness: Educate about sustainable practices such as permaculture, with an emphasis on family health and eco-friendly behaviors (example: climate mural).
Produce organic vegetables: Grow organic produce on-site and on leased land to support the center and its activities.
Train young women: Equip young women with skills in permaculture and ecological urban agriculture.
Long-term vision
The ultimate goal is to establish a Laudato Si Center, a sanctuary for women from all walks of life to learn and practice the social and ecological principles of integral ecology. As conditions stabilize, potential locations (such as Yangon, Myitkyina, or Taunggyi) will be considered and a detailed project plan will be developed.
Main issues to be resolved
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Space for expansion: Obtain additional land to complement the Fondacio house property for demonstration purposes.
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Ecology training in YLDC training: Explaining the principles of integral ecology in the YLDC program for disadvantaged youth.
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Climate Awareness Initiatives for Women: Develop targeted climate education programs that empower local women.
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Community awareness: Inviting local residents, with a focus on women, to participate in urban agriculture training, enabling self-sufficiency in food production.
Beneficiaries
YLDC Students: Young women will benefit from the organic crops grown (mushrooms, vegetables, etc.) and will acquire valuable knowledge on sustainable practices.
Women of North Dagon: Women in the region will have access to training in ecological and urban agriculture, promoting self-sufficiency and environmental management.
Project framework
General objective:
Use and develop the Fondacio Yangon center into a Laudato Si center to support the training of women in urban agriculture.
Specific objectives:
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Have a practical ecological demonstrator and a training initiative.
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Raising environmental awareness in the Yangon community.
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Grow organic produce for the center's use.
Expected results:
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Raising awareness among Yangon residents about ecological principles and climate change.
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Empowering women through training in permaculture and urban agriculture.
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Integrate the principles of ecological agriculture and education into YLDC youth programs.
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Laying the foundations for a future Laudato Si Center in Yangon.
Challenges and opportunities
How the project works
A detailed planning schedule is attached.
Financial statements
The budget requirements for the coming year are described in the attached Excel.
Conclusion
This project will truly be an opportunity to help women in Myanmar. Since it is a civil war, the goal of Phase 2 is to prepare for a more stable period in later phases.
