Permaculture for a post COVID-19 world: A community initiative in Myanmar, Southeast Asia

Abstract

Myanmar (formerly Burma) in Southeast Asia is home to a deeply traditional and conservative, primarily rural, ethnically diverse and relatively young population of around 53 million. Theravada Buddhism is integral to its society and culture, permeating the government and the majority of people's lives and values (Schober, 2011). Youth, deemed to be aged 15 to 35 in Myanmar, comprise nearly 40%, with the average national age around 27-28. Society is highly stratified and collectivist and there are high expectations of youth with filial duties and responsibilities and they are generally active in civil society. The country is currently led by the National League for Democracy (NLD), under the leadership of the charismatic Aung San Suu Kyi, following political and social reforms instigated in 2011. Prior to this, following a coup in 1962, the country was governed by a military junta (in various guises) (see Fink 2001 :4,31&135; Thant Myint U 2011 :20). The military - <i>Tatmadaw</i> - ruled with an iron fist, allowing dehumanisation and the violation of human rights, including impoverishment of the vast majority of the population as well as far ranging environmental degradation. Myanmar was once the wealthiest nation in Southeast Asia, but is now one of the world's least developed countries despite being rich in natural resources.