SPERI

The Social Policy Ecology Research Institute (SPERI) is dedicated to fostering a society in the Mekong sub-region where indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities have equitable access to social justice, gender equality, natural resources, and fair socio-economic systems. Central to SPERI’s mission is the promotion of Livelihood Sovereignty, a holistic ethical framework encompassing five interconnected rights:

• Right to Natural Resources: Ensuring communities have access to land, forests, water, clean air, and natural landscapes.

• Right to Cultural and Religious Practices: Preserving the ability to maintain and practice one’s own religion and cultural traditions.

• Right to Traditional Lifestyles: Supporting the pursuit of indigenous ways of life and values of happiness and well-being within one’s natural environment.

• Right to Self-Determined Development: Empowering communities to utilize their knowledge to decide on agricultural practices and innovations on their land.

• Right to Co-Governance: Facilitating collaborative management of natural resources with neighboring communities and local authorities.

The Farmer Field School at the Human Ecology Practice Area (FFS-HEPA) aligns with SPERI’s mission by addressing global challenges such as climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss through local and regional initiatives. FFS-HEPA emphasizes eco-farming education, nurturing nature, and empowering civil society. Since 2006, it has trained over 151 youth from the Mekong region in sustainable farming practices, contributing to community resilience and environmental stewardship.