The IDPs are usually vulnerable and their rights need to be protected. But it was informed that the coffee trees and orchards of some villagers in Wang Mai Village were totally cut down yesterday. The local government officers declared that the coffee plantation and the orchards are located under the Mae Mao National Park. This was a bad and sad news of the day !
Doi Luang National Park is the former homes of these IDPs. They still keep geeting back to do cultivation at the former home according to the poor soil, lacking water and sources of income at the new homes. The coffee and orchard are the main source of their yearly income. But now there is nothing left and life seems to be harder than ever.
I wonder why the national mechanisms did not react actively to the situation. Even the villagers tried to coordinate and ask for help to some organizations, it was hopeless. More or less, they let the tragedy happen !
Only some friends from NGOs reacted to the situation. and there will be more to do against this unfair event. However more actors, especially the responsible authorities should work more actively and effectively.
