Model of Utilization and Participative Management of Community Forests according to Geosocial Principles

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the utilization of the Huai Sai Khao Community Forest, Ban Tha Pa Pao, Tha Pla Duk Sub-district, Mae Tha District, and Lamphun Province with community participation. 2) To study the mode of participative management of community forests according to the geosocial principles of Ban Tha Pa Pao, Tha Pla Duk Sub-district, Mae Tha District, and Lamphun Province. The objectives were performed using questionnaires from a sample group of 66 household representatives and qualitative research using in-depth interviews and group discussions from village forums. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and mean. The results showed that the social structure of Ban Tha Pa Pao was self-sufficient agriculture. Most people in the community had modest incomes and were primarily men. Overall, it was an empowered community with indigenous knowledge from the local sage, who was a leader and had visions for solving problems and developing communities properly. In addition, the cooperation of people in the community is of great importance to the community forest area. Villagers utilized community forests by collecting non-timber forest products and hunting at all times, and they mainly utilized the forests during the dry season. In terms of community forest management, it was found that villagers participated in community forest management as a whole at a good level. Villagers participating in decision-making showed that they were aware of taking part in proposing alternatives and discussing guidelines to solve problems and set rules or regulations in the management of community forests. Research results suggest that the community forest management model should be adapted to suit modern times and be distinctive to create value for the community and be a source of learning for the community. It should increase the conservation of wildlife that is scarce and provide knowledge about wildlife conservation and the balance of the ecosystem, as well as continuously develop a source of learning and good publicity.