An Application of Local Culture for Conservation and Restoration of Community Forest at Ban Khokpalai, Laluat Subdistrict, Chamni District, Buriram Province

Abstract

Abstract

The objectives of research were (1) to study the problem situation of conservation and restoration of community forest at Ban Khokpalai, Laluat Subdistrict,  Chamni District, Buriram Province, (2) to search the body of knowledge for conservation and restoration of community forest at Ban Khokpalai, Laluat Subdistrict, Chamni District, Buriram Province, and (3) to search for an application of the local culture for conservation and restoration of community forest at Ban Khokpalai, Laluat Subdistrict, Chamni District, Buriram Province. The research design used the qualitative method. The data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group, documentary research and participant observations. The research results showed that there were three problems in the community forest in Ban Khokpalai including (1) the problem of forest deforestation, (2) the problem of exploitation of forests, and (3) the problem of waste disposal in community forests. The research also discovered the body of knowledge about the local culture that could be applied to the conservation and restoration of three aspects including (1) knowledge of exploitation from community forest, in community forest, and (3) knowledge of beliefs about cement caves in community forests. The researchers and the people in the community of Ban Khokphalai brought this knowledge to apply for the conservation and restoration of the community forest as follows: (1) an application of the culture and beliefs of local communities in forest conservation and restoration, (2) setting rules of the community forest exploitation, and (3) build the forest fire protection and control of Ban Khokphalai community. Thus, this research had made the community people realize the value and importance of bringing local culture and belief to be as an instrument to manage community forest on their own.(2) knowledge of belief on the spirit  house  of  grandfather