A study of the role of monks in the conservation of forest resources in national reserved forests: the temple in the national forest mae rim district, chiang mai province

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) study the roles of exemplary monks in forest resource conservation, 2) examine the conservation processes of forest resources by monks in the Mae Rim National Reserved Forest, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, and 3) analyze the roles of monks in conserving forest resources in the aforementioned area. A qualitative research methodology was employed, using in-depth interviews with 10 key informants, consisting of monks actively involved in forest conservation and representatives from relevant local agencies.

          The research results revealed that:

1) The role of exemplary monks in forest resource conservation revealed that monks play an important role in preserving forests, both in the physical aspect—such as ordaining forests, establishing wildlife sanctuaries, and developing learning centers within temples—and in the spiritual aspect by applying Buddhist principles like the Four Brahmaviharas, the Four Iddhipadas, and the Buddhist economic concept to cultivate environmental awareness in the community. They also view forests as peaceful places for spiritual practice.

2) The process of forest resource conservation by monks in the Mae Rim National Reserved Forest, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, found that monks’ conservation activities include: (1) conservation through Buddhist principles to raise awareness and participation in environmental care; (2) conservation through local wisdom, such as creating firebreaks; (3) conservation through government authority, such as participating in Buddhist park projects; and (4) conservation through community processes, such as serving as role models and collaborating with schools and local communities.

          3) The analysis of the role of monks in forest resource conservation in temples located within the Mae Rim National Reserved Forest, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, found that strategies to strengthen the monks’ role include providing additional training, building temple networks, and promoting cooperation with communities and external organizations for sustainable forest conservation.