Guideline for sustainable management of community forest resources in Easterm region

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study the management methods of the community forest in Ban Klong Arang community, a model community located in Moo 16, Ban Gang Sub-district, Muang Sakeaw District, Sakeaw Province as well as their ingredients for success, as they may provide successful guidelines for sustainable management methods for other community forests in Eastern region.

The study found that to be able to sustainably manage community forests, one must take into account the balance between the need of communities and what community forests can offer. Communities and forests are inseparable; therefore, communities should not plan any activities, or issue any rules that would lessen offers previously provided by community forests. Inclusiveness is also a major key for success. All planned activities must focus on community involvement and the realization of the effects of deforestation. In addition, a rich community forest is a symbol of unity and strength. 

 In this regard, in order to concretize community forest resource management methods, we would like to put in place the following: a community forest committee, a community based vision and objective handbook focuses on community forest conservation, well-defined rules and regulations (including penalties) on community forest rights, and community involvements in a reforestation process on various occasions.