Thailand
Case Studies
Life and Relations in Baan Phu Rakam
Life of upstream people living in harmony with the forest sustainably
are being challenged by government development projects.
Case study: Life and Relations in Baan Phu Rakam, Pachee River Wildlife Sanctuary
Writer: Kamolwan Saosuwan
How humans and wildlife can co-exist in a specific context remains a question. The communities have a difficulty in finding a balance between nature and their way of life, pushing them to find appropriate and long-term solutions in accordance with the law that protects designated forest areas of the World Heritage Site.
The methods of community engagement and cooperation with all related sectors, including internal and external factors are utilized to maintain the forests upstream, manage natural resources, and boost revenue for improved livelihoods are highlighted in this case study, which is shown to be a good model for other communities to follow suit.
Project Brief:
In 2019, the government passed the new Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, B.E.2562 (2019) with the primary goal of conserving natural resources in wildlife sanctuaries while prioritizing local communities near protected forests.
Baan Phu Rakam has been examined in accordance with Article 121 of the law and has been selected as the first pilot village of Thailand as part of the human-wildlife coexistence project co-facilitated by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit. As a result, villagers play a greater role in forest conservation, reflecting balanced, sustainable and tangible participatory forest management. The practices serve as a model for other protected forest lands.
Location:
Baan Phu Rakam, Pachee River Wildlife Sanctuary, Moo. 6, Tanao Sri sub-district, Suan Phueng district, Ratchaburi province – Thailand
Beneficiaries:
336 local residents of Baan Phu Rakam
Scope:
Under the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, B.E.2562 (2019), conservation and community participation in natural resource management focuses on conservation agriculture, sustainable conservation and utilization of natural resources, environmental restoration, organic farming, awareness and study on agricultural lands, as well as cooperation among local residents and related state agencies.
เป้าหมายเพื่อการพัฒนายั่งยืนที่เกี่ยวข้อง (SDGs)
กลุ่ม People มิติการพัฒนาคน
กลุ่ม Planet มิติสิ่งแวดล้อม
กลุ่ม Prosperity มิติเศรษฐกิจและความมั่งคั่ง
กลุ่ม Partnership มิติความเป็นหุ้นส่วนการพัฒนา
Baan Phu Rakam has been examined in accordance with Article 121 of the law and has been selected as the first pilot village of Thailand as part of the human-wildlife coexistence project co-facilitated by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit.
Background & Context:
The Pachee River Wildlife Sanctuary is home to Baan Phu Rakam. Homes and farmlands are located in the highlands, with the Pachi River cutting through the settlements, providing abundant natural resources in terms of plants and wildlife.
The local residents are Pgakenyaw (Karen) people. They had previously settled in Baan Jai Phaen Din (presently situated in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phet Buri province). Their homes were scattered across the Tanao Sri mountain range. They later relocated to the Pachee River Wildlife Sanctuary's plains around Pachi River tributaries. Until 1983, with the goal of taking care of all local inhabitants, the Development Division 1 allocated parts of Baan Phu Rakam and established the village, which remains people's residences today.
Baan Phu Rakam is in upstream river and bordered by mountains and forests. The Pachee River is the mainstream that sustains people’s livelihood and agricultural activities, allowing the community members to earn a living by growing seasonal vegetables such as cucumber, cowpea, brinjal (eggplant) and paco fern. They export the vegetables to markets in Ratchaburi province and resorts in Suan Phung district. Some of the farmers divided their farmland to cultivate economic crop such as durian due to its high value and demand, as well as local geography.
Cloth and basket weaving projects have been found to implement the royal determination of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother. Handicrafts and community products made by women are purchased and sold at the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center as part of the royal initiative.
In terms of fundamental infrastructure, the road going to the village is constructed of lateritic soils and is roughly five kilometers away from the asphalt road in front of Baan Nong Ta Dang. The road maintenance is handled by the Tanao Sri Sub-District Administration Organization.
The majority of the water utilized in the Baan Phu Rakam comes from tributaries of the Pachi River. The locals use forest products like mushrooms and bamboo shoots for own use rather than for commercial purposes. They spend the most of their time farming and weaving cloths.
A number of local groups were formed to divide duties and conserve natural resources, such as the Forest Protection Volunteer Training Project, which plays an important role in environmental protection. Other tasks include firefighting, reforestation, stream restoration, and patrolling with park rangers.
Origin & Structure:
The goal of natural resource conservation and preservation is to foster community collaboration in administering the Pachee River Wildlife Sanctuary's reserve area and natural resources in accordance with the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, B.E.2562 (2019), which can be accomplished by integrating cooperation between local communities and authorities. The activities also help to improve local livelihoods, food security, and communal lifestyles.
In order to achieve the main goal, Baan Phu Rakam has taken a number of steps, including reviewing farmland boundaries as specified in Article 121 of the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, B.E.2562 (2019), which governs land usage. A sign denoting the farmlands of Baan Phu Rakam was also put up by the community committee and park rangers from the Pachee River Wildlife Sanctuary. The villagers are taught how to read a map and utilize a global positioning system (GPS). They've also created an anti-wildfire network, erected fire barriers, and perform monthly forest patrols together. Natural resource conservation networks are also part of the partnership.
The locals also attended an organic agricultural workshop where they learnt how to drain mountain runoff onto farms and make organic fertilizer. They are also encouraged to manufacture chemical-free goods by avoiding the usage of chemicals on farmlands. Seeds and seedlings are collected in the community’s greenhouse as a way to restore food sources and perverse native vegetables.
Community members, authorities, and relevant agencies meet on a regular basis to assess collaboration. The community benefits from an integration of public and private resources as part of the initiative. Community participation in natural resource management at the Pachee River Wildlife Sanctuary under the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, B.E.2562 (2019) is one example. Supplementary employment such as weaving cloths and baskets are promoted among the locals of Baan Phu Rakam. Additional marketplaces for locally grown organic products are offered, while the Tanao Sri Sub-District Administration Organization manages basic infrastructure like as roads, irrigation, solar electricity, and alternative energy. The Tanao Sri Sub-District Administration Organization is responsible for basic infrastructure like as roads, mountain irrigation systems, solar electricity, alternative energy in communities, and communication. Suan Phueng's Community Development Office focuses on professional advancement by putting up a community plan and forming many community-based organizations, such as the Thai Women Empowerment Funds, Co-operatives for Production, and the One Tambon One Product Learning Center (Otop). The Community Development Office assists in the development of required instruments for the community's products. Furthermore, the 11th Ranger Forces Regiment and the Ranger Company 1402 base play a role in maintaining peace along the border and fostering collaboration between the Baan Phu Rakam community and Myanmar communities to avoid wildfires.
A committee was created by representatives from each Baan Phu Rakam group to protect natural resources, offer relevant information to better knowledge of the project's implementation, and voice comments on the execution of any operations. The initiatives show community participation and teamwork. Men develop the framework and collaborate with related parties in the community, while women identify activities such as building fire barriers and replenishing food supplies. The youngsters are actively involved in operational activities such as firefighting and patrolling. Organic farming and locally produced goods are also handled by occupational group. A group of leaders is in charge of managing forest areas in accordance with Article 121 and Article 57 of the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, B.E.2562 (2019).
The Situation:
Forestry Law and Farmland
The Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, B.E.2562 (2019), strives to protect natural resources in wildlife sanctuaries while putting community people' livelihoods first. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) is authorized under article 121 to examine land ownership within 240 days after the law came into force, whether residential areas or farmland. Natural resource conservation projects have been established at wildlife sanctuaries. Baan Phu Rakam has been examined in accordance with the regulations. In 2019, 30 plots totaling 409 rai were owned, according to the Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Baan Phong).
As a result, the villagers of Baan Phu Rakam play an important part in farmland conservation by placing obvious indication signs in each community and planting trees along the field's boundaries. Although the government permits the villagers to cultivate high-value trees such as teak and phayung (rosewood), they still grow such trees along the boundaries that separate their lands and forests to avoid past conflicts like land confiscation. The said residents said the trees in the forests can at least roll out the shade.
Public Policy & External Threats
The Baan Nong Ta Dung reservoir in Ratchaburi province's Tanao Sri sub-district, Suan Phueng district, can retain up to 48 million cubic meters of water and supports 38,600 rai of land in the Pachee River Wildlife Sanctuary. The reservoir project is developed by the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. However, the project's areas and irrigation dam, however, are located in the Pachee River Wildlife Sanctuary and overlap the wildlife sanctuary's left section, which encompasses around 2,000 rai. The project's areas also span over 400 rai of Baan Phu Rakam, including both residential and agricultural property.
Certainly, the majority of the villages oppose the reservoir project and have repeatedly made statements to governmental agencies opposing it. The reason for this is that they do not want to be relocated, and the state-provided housing is 10 kilometers away from Baan Phu Rakam and the abandoned mine. It is filled with rocky soils with no visible soil surface. It's also distant from the rivers, making it difficult for the villagers to grow crops.
The residents moved to Baan Phu Rakam 30 years ago, leaving their former house in Baan Jai Phaen Din and the brooks behind. They struggled to make a livelihood before the state granted them with farmlands which they could earn a living by producing and selling crops.
Phu Rakam is abundant and adjacent to rivers. According to the site survey done by Dr. Chavalit Vidthayanon, Mae Klong catfish (its features are similar with catfish) and mystus are common aquatic species found in the village’s stream, indicating high-quality water and the abundance of the forest areas. The forest is classified as level 1, which means that if the forest collapses, water resources would be harmed, and these two species of fish will be the first to suffer.
At present, communities are reducing their use of forest products and acting as forest guardians to combat wood smuggling and animal poaching in the protected forests. Baan Phu Rakam has become a role model of conservation and human-wildlife coexistence for other villages, thanks to collaboration with royal initiatives and state-funded programs. The partnership also safeguards the locals' farms and resettlement possibilities. For the villagers, starting a new life is incredibly hard, and they should not be victims again.
“We have ceased hunting wild animals and invading the forest area since we came to Baan Phu Rakam. Instead, we raise crops for our own use and strive to be decent citizens. We work with the Royal Forest Department to put out wildfires or construct fire barriers. We participate in all of the programs, including the royal initiative that taught our members how to weave cloth and reforest. When it comes to agriculture, we are also cooperative and adaptable. We cultivate and sell crops to make ends meet. We have better lives now and are not looking for a fresh start. We have already been relocated, and people are aware that the state will use the law to relocate us again. However, if the government abuses the law, we should return to Baan Jai Phaen Din, where our ancestors resided, rather than being forced to move to other areas that aren't as abundant as Baan Phu Rakam,” Pele Guaphoo expressed.
The National Environment Board, on the other hand, passed a resolution directing the Royal Irrigation Department to look into a number of concerns, including community understanding and farmland allocation for those affected by the construction of the Baan Nong Ta Dung reservoir. Due to the scarcity of soils in the designated sites, the community members unwillingly left the place.
“We have ceased hunting wild animals and invading the forest area since we came to Baan Phu Rakam. Instead, we raise crops for our own use and strive to be decent citizens. We work with the Royal Forest Department to put out wildfires or construct fire barriers. We participate in all of the programs, including the royal initiative that taught our members how to weave cloth and reforest. When it comes to agriculture, we are also cooperative and adaptable. We cultivate and sell crops to make ends meet. We have better lives now and are not looking for a fresh start. We have already been relocated, and people are aware that the state will use the law to relocate us again. However, if the government abuses the law, we should return to Baan Jai Phaen Din, where our ancestors resided, rather than being forced to move to other areas that aren't as abundant as Baan Phu Rakam,” Pele Guaphoo expressed.
Collaboration among Villagers of Baan Phu Rakam:
Organic Farming
Baan Phu Rakam's residents are farmers. They grow cucumber, tomato, and bean and sell them to marketplaces in central Ratchaburi province. Among the crops, Pak kood (Diplazium esculentum) is the most popular vegetable for restaurants and resorts in Suan Phueng district. Because of their placement in an upstream river, villagers avoid using pesticides. They rotate crops to promote soil fertility. After harvesting cucumbers, for example, the soil is rehabilitated by planting beans whose roots nourish the soil. The fertilizer is also made from grass clipping which is taught by the 11th Ranger Forces Regiment and the Ranger Company 1402 base.
Villagers frequently gather at the communal greenhouse to learn how to cultivate pradu (Pterocarpus macrocarpus), rubber, rosewood or payung seedlings and Leguminosae trees. These trees are placed along the lines that demarcate the boundaries between their fields and woodlands. In addition, seedlings of the famed best-selling economic crop durian are brought in from Baan Jai Phaen Din. Durian orchards have been cultivated for over 30 years, although the fruit was not well-known at the time. Due to its high price, durian's appeal surged quickly and are sometimes reserved even before they are ripe. Plowing, pesticide use, and crop residue burning were all reduced in durian orchards. Some farmers can make between 50,000 and 60,000 baht per year, and their earnings are projected to rise as their investment in durian plantations grows.
“We aren’t civil servant. We are farmers, so these vegetables are our pension,” Pele Guapoo told.
Water Management in Upstream Watersheds
The villagers team up with park rangers on upstream forest management, such as defining boundary lines, collecting data, managing wildfires, and patrolling to prevent people from exploiting land, expanding farmland boundaries, and poaching wild animals. Camera traps have been deployed around the forest to monitor and collect data on the wild animals that reside in the area, with the data being used to prove that the locals do not invade the forest. Leaf blowers are used to delineate land boundaries. Villagers collaborate with forestry officials who are also Phu Rakam village descendants, resulting in no disputes during conservation efforts. Not only does the partnership boost community engagement in land management, but it also improves relationships between villagers and forest officials.
Livelihood Development and Environmental Awareness
The houses of the inhabitants of Phu Rakam are fashioned of pine and eucalyptus trees that they cultivate on their land, together with additional materials such as concrete pillars and metal sheets. The villagers paid 2.50 baht for pine and eucalyptus saplings. After 4 – 5 years of growth, the villagers will cut down 10 – 15 pine trees to construct a house. If the trees are 11 – 12 years old, they may be sold for 2,000 baht apiece, providing them with additional cash while also reducing deforestation.
Every year, the villagers clean up some sediments and decomposed organic waste in the weir, which is part of the village's irrigation system in water, to ensure that the water flows smoothly. The irrigatin system is used for both personal and agricultural purposes. Furthermore, the royal initiatives promote cloth and basket weaving, allowing villagers to supplement their income from agricultural activities.
Women and their Roles in the Community’s Economy
From productivity management to sales to cloth and basket weaving, female villagers play a critical role in improving the agricultural sector and the community's economy. All of this is in the hands of women, who rely on agricultural activities to boost their income. Some women villagers have a monthly income and can supplement it with agricultural goods such as Pak kood (Diplazium esculentum), which sells for 40–50 baht per kilogram and earns the female villagers 8,000 baht. In some months, their additional income from Pak kood exceeds main income. It clearly demonstrates the importance of women's roles in management, as well as in the household and communal system.
From productivity management to sales to cloth and basket weaving, female villagers play a critical role in improving the agricultural sector and the community's economy. All of this is in the hands of women, who rely on agricultural activities to boost their income.
Policy Impact :
Impacts from the National Policies
Following the implementation of the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, B.E.2562 (2019), Baan Phu Rakam was chosen as Thailand's first pilot community to demonstrate human-wildlife coexistence. It was developed by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit.
Participatory conservation and natural resource management is in line with the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex's active adaptation strategy in terms of conservation, natural resource restoration, and environmental and biodiversity balance, which is based on the concept of co-management to serve as a long-term foundation for natural resources.
Furthermore, land use reform will increase agricultural output while being sustainable and environmentally friendly. Villagers practice organic farming with an emphasis on self-reliance. They don't utilize chemicals in their farming, instead making fertilizer out of agricultural waste, rotating crops, and cutting grass to enhance the soil nutrients for the next crops.
Irrigation system in mountain is run to cultivate crop. For example, water pipelines are laid to connect irrigation system to the farmland where Pak kood grow along stream. The quantity of water is controlled by sprinkler system. The practice sets a good example to promote and manage the traditional wisdom that is related to natural resource management, environment and biodiversity.
A mountain irrigation system is used to produce crops. Water pipes, for example, are installed to connect an irrigation system to farms where Pak kood grows alongside a brook. A sprinkler system regulates the amount of water used. The technique serves as an excellent model for promoting and managing traditional wisdom in the areas of natural resource management, environmental protection, and biodiversity.
In terms of professional growth and advancement, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother launched a royal scheme to assist textile and basket weaving, which raises the value of products. Fabric is acquired and sold at the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center under the royal initiative, while basketry items are transported and marketed in central Ratchaburi province.
In order to achieve equitable and peaceful management, participatory and community management should develop the circular economy and improve stakeholder consultation mechanisms.
Participation within the Global Agenda
The project supports local communities to achieve several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as No Poverty (Goal 1), Zero Hunger (Goal 2), Gender Equality (Goal 5), Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11), Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12), Climate Action (Goal 13), Life on Land (Goal 15) and Partnerships to Achieve the Goal (Goal 17). The project is a good example of community participation in natural resource management that resulted in several collaborations between the public sector and civic networks to meet the SDGs, which are a call to action by all countries as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a guiding mechanism for both social and economic sustainable development by 2030.
Building upon Development and Sustainability :
Repetition
Baan Phu Rakam's upstream forest and national resource management has been continuous, with community members' engagement, togetherness, and a common goal of developing the village in the same direction. As a result, knowledge has been continuously developed and passed down from generation to generation among community members, leading to forest-human coexistence, reduced deforestation, and protect upstream forests. The practices provide an excellent example for other communities in forsts in terms of upstream forest management.
"Respect forest. Respect nature. We can live if the forest can," said Songkarn Kuaphu.
Building upon Development
Ban Phu Rakam's practices, which reflect the relationship between humans and forests, have made it Thailand's first pilot village to follow the human-wildlife coexistence project, which is co-facilitated by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit. The villagers whose roles in managing the upstream forests have been defined receive great benefits from such practices. Villagers whose roles in upstream forest management have been specified benefit greatly from such approaches. However, management approaches benefit not just trees and water, but also community members' livelihoods through knowledge sharing about natural resources including soil, water and upstream forests. Natural resource use in agricultural areas provides a circular economy in the community, increases revenue, and encourages the use of locally produced fertilizer. Villagers are not required to purchase chemical fertilizer or other chemicals. Thus, soils don’t degrade, and climate change doesn’t worsen, since permanent agriculture doesn’t include burning, which is a major contributor to such global phenomenon. The community can cultivate economic crops, earning more cash through crop rotation throughout the year, and promoting better lives, which will result in less obstacles for community members.
“If upstream forests persist, people will survive.”
Sustainability
The Small Grants Programme (SGP), a corporate initiative of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provides funding to Baan Phu Rakam. The villagers build on participatory conservation mission in accordance with the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, B.E.2562 (2019). The community has a database for sustainable co-conservation of natural resources and makes a living by selling communal items in order to raise funding for forest preservation. Local officials have backed the conservation mission in Baan Phu Rakam, which serves as a model for how humans and animals can coexist under of the Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Baan Phong), the Pachee River Wildlife Sanctuary. Due to Ban Phu Rakam's proximity to the Thai-Myanmar border, the village supports the expansion of conservation concepts along the border, paving the way for the world heritage site's management.
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