Thailand
A large portion of the community forests has vanished as a result of the fast-paced urban expansion. One of the community forests under threat is Baan Lang Ka in Ban Phong sub-district, Wiang Pa Pao district, Chiang Rai province, which is evidently threatened by growth, capitalism and human activities that harm the environment, such as deforestation, hunting and waste contamination in the headwaters.
Women and youth in Baan Lang Ka came together to form working networks to safeguard their forests and water resources, which provide them with food as well as of the goods and services that ecosystems give (known as ecosystem services).
Finding a source of water in the forests
The construction linking Wiang Pa Pao – Proud roads has altered water flow patterns, resulting in a drastic water shortage in several farmlands. The leader of Baan Lang Ka, Kalaya Wanthikul, believes that it is a ripe time to ramp up efforts to end the prolonged drought by restoring and conserving community forests which serve as headwaters.
"I'm so glad that my children (trees) multiply,” exclaimed Ms. Kalaya who recalled examining the trees she cultivated to save Ban Lang Ka. Yang hiaeng (Dipterocarpus obtusifolius), pradu (Pterocarpus macrocarpus), nang phya sua khrong or wild Himalayan cherry (Prunus cerasoides), jambolan plum, Indian gooseberry, santol, and Ma Kuean (Zanthoxylum limonella) were among the sprouts planted across the community forests. The Global Environment Facility, the Department of Forests, and the Ban Phong Sub-district Administrative Organization have all contributed to the plantation.
The rain that has been falling steadily has led the sprouts to grow all over the forests. Despite the fact that some sprouts were dead, the plantation was nevertheless considered successful to some extent. The community members have a high hope that this forest land would one day be brimming with the plants they grow, restoring the waterheads and providing a reliable source of food as well as other benefits. In the rainy season, a weir system has been built in communities to conserve water for the next dry season. A small wall has been constructed to manipulate the sediment flows in order to guarantee water quality. The success of the weir system was due to strong coordination between specialists and working networks.
Fire barriers, on the other hand, were proven to be insufficient in preventing wildfires. The youth volunteers, thus, make use of technology by creating “Smoke Watch”, a smartphone app that shows the near real-time hotspots around Chiang Rai province. The application not only detects the hotspots and prevents wildfires, but also helps authorities extinguish the blazes more quickly. The “Smoke Watch” has been codeveloped among several agencies, including the Chiang Rai authorities, the Protected Areas Regional Office 15 (Chiang Rai), the Biodiversity-based Economy Development Office (Public Organization) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
The Ban Phong Sub-district Administrative Organization has set aside budget for wildfire management. Close cooperation among local officials, local volunteer groups and the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) that work together to manage environmental impacts has also resulted in round-the-clock surveillance for one month during the summer, when there’s a higher risk of forest fires.
Landless community members and capitalist land ownership
Due to Wiang Pa Pao district’s rapid economic expansion, capitalists have taken up additional lands in the areas, putting locals at risk of not having enough land for their livelihoods. Besides, local residents are still concerned about forest encroachment. The situation in Wiang Pa Pao district would eventually lead to significant deterioration of forest resources if there were no governmental entities dealing with land holding and environmental impact management.
Furthermore, more land is being leased to foreigners for agricultural purposes. Chemicals and water are utilized extensively in monocropping systems, which has an adverse impact on community ecosystems. Dealing with the issues is difficult and time-consuming, and it needs the participation of multiple parties.
Another common problem that Baan Lang Ka encounters is waste. Because of the proximity to main roads, the community forests get a significant volume of garbage. However, a fine doesn’t make the situation better. Waste disposal has a direct impact on water quality and pollutes the lowlands, which includes farming and drinking water supplies. The tainted water makes its way to the Lao River over time.
Roles of women and youth
Being the only female leader of Baan Wiang Pa Pao has strengthened the youth's involvement in environmental and livelihood development. Women's leadership raises questions about responsibility, but Ms. Kalaya's efforts have demonstrated that equality in all elements - attitude, community human resource management, environmental management, and field practices – is achievable.
“Because I fight to conserve this forest, I climb every mountain to know the area.”
Ms. Kalaya spoke about her duties and leadership in community environmental management, individual dedication that leads to community collaboration to conserve the environment, especially the youth who see the importance of environment and ecosystem in their hometown, which have steadily degraded. They're attempting to restore the forest to its former glory, as it was when their grandparents lived.
“My grandfather used to climb the mountain to gather Karen chile and tomato for Nam Prik Ong. Squirrels and chipmunks were frequently seen,”
one of the volunteer adolescents recalled from his childhood at the rear of the temple (Wat Pa Huai Hom), implying that the forest was plentiful enough to provide food for the locals. The sprouts were given to villagers around Wat Pa Huai Hom by the private sector 30 years ago. The forest areas are jointly cared for by the inhabitants. Despite the fact that the forest has been partially destroyed by wildfires, the people are preserving the watershed forest.
Learning about forest care from respected Karen philosophers
The collaboration of a female leader, youngsters, and members of the local community surrounding the Lao River has resulted in excellent forest management. Mr. Preecha Siri, Pgakayhor philosopher of Baan Huai Hin Lad Nai, was introduced to the youngsters by Ms. Kalaya. The Pgakayhor philosopher shared his expertise of forest management, species research, and sustainability of natural resources. All of these factors contribute significantly to the restoration of community ecosystem services. Community members' knowledge exchange improves collaboration and working networks to protect ecosystem services.
Development of Baan Lang Ka
The water source for consumption and agricultural use is a key component of Baan Lang Ka's development strategy. Cropping patterns are still visible today in plain regions along the Lao River. The local community is keen to develop the headwaters and water storage areas as a means to perform integrated farming from the top of the mountain to the bottom, with the goal of securing food and ecosystem services for all local populations. Natural resources in sufficient quantities will generate jobs and improve people's well-being, which is based on the utilization of natural capital. Ecosystem service management and restoration in community forests is a good place to start when it comes to strengthening the Lao River's landscape-level ecosystem services.
The Global Environment Facility and other organizations have motivated Baan Lang Ka's residents to take the initial steps in environmental protection as well as encouraging gender equality and the roles of youth.
“We had no experience in this field and were receiving the funding for the first time. We’ll do our best and be open to learning from our networks,” said Ms. Kalaya.
