Perceptions of Ethnic Minorities on Tree Growing for Environmental Services in Thailand - Smallholder Tree Growing for Rural Development and Environmental Services - page 393

Chapter 19
Perceptions of Ethnic Minorities
on Tree Growing for Environmental
Services in Thailand
M. Hares*
Abstract The aim of this chapter is to shed light on how local people view the role
of trees in environmental conservation and how this is reflected in forest manage-
ment practices at the community level. The discussion is based on a study was
undertaken among three ethnic minorities (Karen, Hmong and Lawa) in Thailand's
northern forested uplands. The results indicated that trees and forests were regarded
as essential for environmental services, and the products and services the surround-
ing forest provided were considered fundamental for upland people. All three
groups' traditions included elements of conservation, although more strongly
reflected in Karen and Lawa culture. The villagers regarded reforestation as a tool
for forest conservation, but government reforestation projects also faced disincen-
tives related to the tree species planted, insufficient economic benefits and competi-
tion for land. Government and NGO projects also encouraged the growing of trees
on farms, and farmers themselves experimented with new tree crops, particularly
fruit trees, and with farming systems by their own initiative. Means to intensify land
use were necessary due to increasing pressures on land resources, and alternatives
to slash-and-burn cultivation methods were sought. However, lack of resources,
small farm sizes and insecure land rights posed constraints on adoption of agrofor-
estry. Development of participatory approaches in reforestation, agroforestry
projects and improved political and legal foundations for community forestry are
necessary for sustainable management systems but also to ensure future environ-
mental benefits.
Keywords Forest conservation, forest management, Hmong, indigenous people,
Karen, Lawa