Knowledge for Development Foundation (K4D)
Empowering Communities. Advancing Digital Skills and Knowledge. Fostering Governance and Inclusive Development.
In today’s ever-changing world, where we navigate a landscape overflowing with information, the ability to make sense of data and use it for informed decision-making becomes essential. Yet for many Women Environmental Defenders (WED), their stories are often lost or told in ways that dehumanize them and in some circumstances vilify them. By focusing on building capacity for data literacy and storytelling, we can help WED to take control of their own narratives.
Thailand’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2065 has catalyzed national efforts under the Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Program (T-VER), with a focus on carbon-financing projects in mangrove ecosystems. Through this scheme, major companies invest in mangrove restoration to offset emissions and acquire carbon credits, often via memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed with local communities. However, evidence suggests that these agreements are poorly understood by community members, raising critical concerns about transparency, negotiation power, and equitable benefit-sharing.
This International Women’s Day’s theme of “Inspire Inclusion” is a commitment to recognizing and celebrating the rich experiences, cultures, and perspectives that women bring to the table. For the Khlong Prasong Women Leaders in Krabi province, it serves as a reminder of the struggle they have endured to be included in mangrove conservation efforts and the work that still lies ahead. With collaborative support from local partners, government institutes and other communities, they are creating an inclusive world where every woman, regardless of background and age, is empowered to thrive.