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Community Forest Sets a Shining Example
Baan Tum Pheung: Community Forest Sets a Shining Example
Located in Surat Thani province's Phanom district, the community forest of Baan Tum Pheung last year received the Best Regional Community Forest Award (Southern region).
The award comes under the Love the Forest and the Community project, which is a joint initiative between the Royal Forest Department and the Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding PCL.
Community Initiative Community leader Buntun Bunchoodum says Baan Tum Pheung includes over 1,636 rai (263 hectares) of community forest, which forms part of the Yan Yao, Khao Wong and Kra Chum national forest reserves. Since there are many private homes located around the edge of the forest, they clearly identify the community forest area, according to Buntun.
Baan Tum Pheung community forest was once part of a concession, used to source timber for use in the south of the country. But in 1980, a group of locals toyed with the idea of converting the area, which also includes several water sources, into a community forest. Their objective was finally achieved in 1989. Since then, local residents have been working to rehabilitate the forest by planting saplings, issuing regulations concerning the use of the forest and by appointing a committee to oversee all aspects relating to the forest's well being.
Pulling Together Baan Tum Pheung community forest differs from other community forests in the sense that it is right at the heart of the local community, according to Buntun.
“This reflects the locals' strong intention and cooperation when it comes to preventing encroachment,” he says.
Most community forests in the south have to be alert in terms of the potential threat of encroachment by palm and rubber plantations.
In order to efficiently manage the community forest, the forest was sub-divided into three distinct areas.
The first area includes the forest's water sources and covers about 311 rai, according to Buntun. Tropical plants and trees, including rubber trees, Hopea odorata Roxb and Michelia Chumpaca can be found growing throughout the forest here around sea level and at higher altitudes. The land here is fertile since water supplies tend to be sufficient throughout the year. Water from the forest feeds Klong Bang Kui ('Bang Kui Canal') and the forest is also home to a number of rare animal and marine life species.
The second area is used as the community’s food bank. Covering 224 rai, this part of the forest had earlier been severely damaged through encroachment, but members of the community managed to successfully rehabilitate it by planting saplings and allowing nature to successfully take its course.
This area is known as a food bank since locals are entitled to use any of the herbs and vegetables that they are permitted to grow on this land, including pak lieng (Gnetum gnemon Linn. Var tenerum Markgr.), which is the most popular vegetable among locals, as well as bamboo. Locals have also identified some sites within the forest, such as a natural spring, with a view to developing some ecotourism attractions.
The third distinct area covers the very heart of the community. Since this area also includes the first area mentioned (containing water sources), locals seeking to use resources located must respect the forest's regulations, which are designed to protect the natural environment and resources within the forest. This area covers 1,100 rai.
Locals are not allowed to use any natural resources or water supplies located in the first area since this is where the water table converges with the Ta Pee River. Locals also lend a helping hand by volunteering to keep watch twice a month in a bid to prevent encroachment.
Success Story Baan Tum Pheung is now one of the country's most fertile forests and boasts a diverse range of natural resources. The locals' efforts at preserving the forest should be an inspiration to others in terms of preserving the environment, according to Buntun.
“We can be used as a role model for other communities to follow as we have shown that civil society, in the form of ordinary local people, can do a lot to protect the forest.” - Translated and republished with the kind permission of ASTV Manager.
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