COERR Mae Sot implemented the environmental preservation program in Mae La Temporary Shelter in Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province in 2020 with a plan to provide and maintain technical support for the operation of community-based waste management in Mae La camp, i.e. to have meetings of waste management committee and waste management working group in which situation and problems are discussed and solved; to supply and maintain rubbish bins; to help refugee households practice at-source separation for household wastes that can be reused, recycled and disposed.

   During January – February 2020, there was a waste management working group meeting; planning for this year about garbage collecting and recycling, making check dam; cleaning up camp waterway; making fire break around the landfill site; visiting the conservation model houses 3 days a week; planning for the Karen Environment Group training, etc.

   Garbage collection from Ban Mae La Shelter and nearby villages were transported to the solid waste diversion center. Recyclable and bio-degradable materials were separated and the rest were buried or incinerated. Landfill site and incineration area were cleaned and treated by vinegar and lime to control bacteria and smell.

Making Fire-Break along the Landfills

Cleaning Waste Collection Points Weekly

Camp Water Way Clean up day on January 23, 2020

Making Check Dam together with the community and organizations on January 30, 2020

   Staff and volunteers visit the conservation model houses, 3 days a week, to provide garbage sorting efficiency guidance; distribute brooms and help to clean their houses; support gardening with vegetable seeds and tools like watering cans, rake and hoe; providing a ‘Conservation Model House’ vinyl poster to announce their caring for environment.

   Garbage bank is to allow the interested youth and adults to acquire income generation through sorting recyclable garbage and selling, which resulted in reduction of garbage.