Government eyeing law to allow community use of forests

 

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has resolved to proceed with its community forest policy by promoting organic laws under the Community Forest Act, endowing citizens with the right to utilize forests in tandem with conservation efforts, with the Department of Forestry planning to establish 15,000 such community forests over the next five years.

 

Deputy Prime Minister, Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, as chairman of the community forest policy committee, this week held the first meeting of the body in 2019 with the Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Varawut Silpa-archa, and other relevant officials in attendance.

 

The committee agreed to issue organic laws under the Community Forest Act alongside relevant regulations and set a framework for feedback. The committee also received a briefing on how the policy should aid citizens.

 

The Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, Attapol Charoenchansa, said today that over 13,800 community forests have been established so far, totaling 7.3 million rai of land. The department aims to set up 15,000 such plots covering a total 10 million rai over the next five years. Relevant agencies will be tapped to advise community members on how best to utilize forest resources.

 

"We’ll have to talk to community members once the forests are set up and the areas are divided for conservation and usage as well as approaches for conservation and usage. Boundaries have to be set, such as how much foraging can be done. A process establishing laws is also needed because a standard for regulations is needed. Authority has to be given to community committees."

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2019-10-04

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trouble is that those given Custody of those Rais, then go ahead to do whatever they wish... as if they have full licence!

 

leave the forests to the Monks, the birds and the bees   

I have to admit, as a "humanist" at heart, who has the right to say how we use any part of this planet? Certainly we have to come together as a society to decide the best path to take, so the question is - is might right?

 

It sounds like a terrible idea to me that will be plagued by corruption. The land will be misused and there will be lack of enforcement of any law that is supposed to prevent deforestation in these areas. As usual a few well connected people will benefit from the proposals. 

End of the forest.

 

I am sure nothing bad will happen like kind farmers showed us during burning season. Why law? Anyone can use them anyway nobody gives a <deleted> anyway, not like someone is monitoring. 

16 hours ago, webfact said:

Relevant agencies will be tapped to advise community members on how best to utilize forest resources

YES, "Agencies" can now tell communities how to cut valuable trees in the forest and make money by selling to them at a low price.

the "agencies" are composed of illiterate and corrupt officials

That his twin sister on the right ? 

Here's a prediction.....the law, whilst well meant, will be loosely worded and pitifully enforced so that companies will be able to log in the forests and people like Premchia be able to hunt endangered species.

3 hours ago, Pedrogaz said:

Here's a prediction.....the law, whilst well meant, will be loosely worded and pitifully enforced so that companies will be able to log in the forests and people like Premchia be able to hunt endangered species.

There will also be a surge in " Resorts " built by the rich to tap into the Tourist Market, with all the issues that this will bring, and also there will be new Mansion Style Properties springing up all over the place.

Sure ! The law will give the use of the Forests to the Community ----- The stinking rich Community

The forests are used by many mushroom pickers and for septic tank waste disposal ... think about it  !!!