Solar Power and Regenerative Agriculture in Burma

The big news since my last report is that I am moving ahead with my plan to relocate to Thailand as a base for my life and my Solar Roots operations. Like everyone else, my travel plans were put on hold by Covid 19, but even though it is now easier to visit countries where I would like to work, there are other factors which prevent me from going there. Here is a quick update on the 3 countries where I have contacts and that I would choose to visit first:

COUNTRY UPDATES

BURMA

Although the coup d’etat has long ago slipped from the front page news, the civil war rages on and the military pursues its policy of crushing all opposition. The military rule is characterized by incompetence and desperate measures to raise foreign currency, while the civilian resistance continues to be plagued by internal disputes. Both sides are using targeted assassination and terror tactics, and the war of disinformation is as active as the physical war. Covid is still present and due to the lack of health facilities, is having a disproportionately long term effect. Despite having a Solar Roots Training Center in Pyin Oo Lwin, there is no possibility of returning there until the political situation becomes more stable. I remain in close contact with many friends there.

SRI LANKA

Despite being a relatively prosperous country only a few years ago, Sri Lanka has recently become completely insolvent and politically quite unstable. The national treasury is entirely empty, leaving this small island nation unable to import even such basics as medicine, food and oil. The economy has completely stalled and everyone is focused on surviving day to day. My contacts are still strong there and I hope to return in the next few years, when political stability is re-established.

ETHIOPIA

After much hope inspired by the accession to power of the current Prime Minister, the country has fallen back into a state of civil war, which has characterized this nation for the last 50 years. It’s ethnic group against ethnic group, with alliances changing regularly. Large populations are being displaced both internally and externally. Given very little political will to compromise and form a greater union, it seems unlikely that Ethiopia can move forward in it’s goal of nation-building. My close personal friend is relatively safe in Addis Ababa and we still talk about establishing a permaculture farm near his home town of Bahir Dar.

FUTURE PLANS

I recently bought a small piece of land in Chiang Dao, Thailand, where I plan to build a small cabin in December this year. Chiang Dao is 1.5 hours north of Chiang Mai, and although quite rural, it is easy to reach and within striking distance for supplies. While all of my first choice countries remain unsafe to visit, I plan to continue my Solar Roots work in northern Thailand. There is not much need for solar as over 95% of the country has grid power, but with a huge agricultural sector and an increasing interest in organic food, I think that giving trainings in vermiculture and biochar production are viable alternatives for me.

As we all appreciate so much now, the future is highly uncertain and the old assumptions simply can’t be relied on any more. But despite my advanced years and declining work output, I am determined to continue on with Solar Roots work as long as I can. Your continued support is vital for these projects and I look forward to maintaining our relationship despite the vicissitudes and uncertainties of the coming years.

Thank you,

Bruce

PS – I include here a few photos of Solar Roots work from happier times