The EarthRights School, an intensive training and education program for environmentalists, is providing support and training for environmental defenders in Southeast Asia. The school, which began in 1999, offers a practical curriculum that includes campaign skills, proposal writing, and evidence gathering. It also serves as a safe space for activists to share experiences and discuss their work freely. The program accepts students from countries in the Mekong region, including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and China.
Many of the students face harassment, jail terms, and violence in their home countries as they fight to protect their land. The EarthRights School provides a sun-dappled location along Thailand’s east coast where activists can learn from local activists and focus on their training. The program operates discreetly and accepts around a dozen students each year for a program that ranges from several months to a full year.
The students live and study together on the campus, creating tight bonds and a supportive community. They face challenges such as political pressure and lack of education and access to information. The curriculum includes security considerations, with students receiving instruction in digital and physical safety. The EarthRights School aims to empower environmental defenders and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to protect their communities and the environment.
According to monitor Global Witness, nearly 2,000 activists involved in land and environmental defense were killed globally in the decade leading up to 2022. The EarthRights School provides a vital space for activists to learn, share experiences, and find support in their fight for environmental justice.