Dong Sam Kha Community Forest: Economic Values of Nam Kam Village, Tha Li District, Loei Province

Abstract

             The objective of this article is to represent the following perspectives: introductory to community forest, values of Dong Sam Kha community forest, value adding in Dong Sam Kha community forest. First of all, community forest is defined as land and/or forestry in which community is legally given roles to work with officials in forest management under government supports. The regulations, plans and procedures used for management can be related to beliefs and cultures of that community and will enhance forest conservation and sustainability in the community. Secondly, Dong Sam Kha forest is an important resource for villagers in Nam Kam district, Loei province. It creates careers for villagers, food sources, and medicines. The wood is utilized as a crafting material, household tools, equipment and house repairing. Moreover, after evaluating the revenue gained from Dong Sam Kha community forest, it was found that 7,782,817.92 baht was obtained from direct benefits through selling forest resources. This indicated that in average, 17,836.71 baht was distributed to each household per year, which equals to 8.43 percent of average income per household. Bamboos are the major cash crops that provide 16,599.51 baht of earnings to each household per year. Furthermore, the indirect benefit of the community forest is providing water for agriculture and growing crops such as rice, Pará rubber trees and cassava. The total value from this benefit in the previous year was 538,290.09 baht. This resulted in prides to Nam Kam villagers and motivation to conserve and value the forest for sustainable uses. Lastly, due to the ecological dominant and biological diversities of the Dong Sam Kha community forest, tourism can be promoted which can increase incomes for people in the community. Additionally, Loei province is one of the provinces in the project “12 Mueang Haarm…Plad” (12 cities you must not miss)” which is an activity supported by the government to stimulate tourism growth. This will bring opportunity to develop Dong Sam Kha community forest as a tourist attraction in the future.