Phu Chom Ngea Reserved Forest Conservation Model, Xiangngern District, LuangPrabang Province, Lao Peoples’s Democratic Republic

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate problem conditions, recommendations for problem-solving, and the identification of an appropriate conservation model for the Phu Chom Ngae reserved forest. The locale of the study was at Xiang Ngern district, Luang Prabang province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Focus group discussion was used for data collection conducted with a sample group of three government officials in the area, five members of village forestry committee, five community leaders, and 13 focus group discussion participants. This study consisted of 3 parts: 1) data collection on problem conditions and opinions of officials and villagers to solve problems in the conservation of Phu Chom Ngae reserved forest (Descriptive data analysis); 2) creating a reserved forest conservation model; and                                      3) Assessment of Phu Chom Ngea reserved forest conservation Model.

Results of the study revealed that the conservation problems in the Phu Chom Ngae reserved forest are at a high level (3.59). The following were found at a high level: People in the area, the community administrative organization, and the public sector agency, however, found the problem of conservation to be moderate: Context area and Forest conditions. The opinions of officials and villagers identified: 1) The community should realize the importance and necessity of being involved in forest conservation; 2) concerned agencies should promote occupational training; 3) prevention of forest encroachment by clear determination of the forest area; 4) strengthen community leaders; 5) training on knowledge about conservation;                             6) continually instill awareness of forest conservation; 7) should have continual plans on projects implemented in the area; 8) government officials must take the regulations comprehensively and seriously.

The Phu Chom Ngae reserved forest conservation model comprised the following:                     1) driving force of stakeholders–the government, community administrative organizations and people in the area. 2) operation–3 important sector: The public sector-The former included budgets material equipment support, clear determination of the forest area, issuing regulations and training/education trip; community administrative organization-public relations, campaigning, being a coordinator with people and other agencies. The latter included people in the area-participate in forest conservation. 3) output-increased participate in the forest conservation. The model had been evaluated and approved by experts.