Policy Recommendations on Public Participation in Environmental Protection: A Case Study of Hin Nam No National Protected Area in Bualapha District, Khammouane Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Abstract

The purposes of this study were: 1) to investigate problems on public participation in the conservation of Hin Nam No National Protected Area from the past up to the present time; and 2) to identify factors affecting achievements on the participation in conserving the Hin Nam No National Protected Area, Bualapha District, Khammouane Province, Lao PDR. The author employed a qualitative research methodology with the sample of 32 participants including representatives of the villagers, delegation of the public sector, representatives of the private sector along with experts, who were purposively selected. Tools used to collect data included a workshop, a set of structured interviews, and in-depth interviews. Content analysis was applied.

The findings of this study were as follows. The states and problems on the participation in conserving the national conserved forest consisted of 6 components: 1) lack of activity participation; 2) lack of continuity on the activity operation; 3) lack of public relations; 4) lack of experienced personnel; 5) lack of budget/materials and utensils; and 6 lack of information perception.  The factors affecting the participation achievements in conserving the national conserved forest were composed of 8 components: 1) individual characteristics; 2) dissemination and public relations; 3) leadership; 4) information and communications technology; 5) good governance principles; 6) human resources; 7) sustainability; and 8) budget