By chance I got to know Thailand Living Weir Network and this has changed my working idea on drought and water problems in the villages. " You and I must live together" is one of the main concept of living weir besides exposure from inside, starting from simple things and using resources in the context of each village.
Living weir then become a movement on environment by local people. The weir designed from the stream and surrounding resources . Using bamboos, sand ,bag and ropes for weir foundation with steps in front of the weir and at the back of it. Plant banyan trees along the both sides of the stream as the roots will take places of the sand bags later on. Banyans also keep water and moisture in the soil so other trees can grow along both side of the stream. The weir will raise up water level to the sides which can keep both side moisture for at least two kilometers.This will help created fertile forest and help enhancing food security of the villages. More than this living weir is a tool for villagers to be independent from top- down development as the weir belong to villages and communities.
Building living bring water, plants, animals, human being and nature to live together in harmony. The weir also bring in cooperation among the villagers, local organizations and other people. The hand in hand activity is very powerful to keep our country strong and peaceful.
