Mae Hong Son community forest wins big

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Mae Hong Son community forest wins big
VISARUT SANKHAM
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- A COMMUNITY forest in Mae Hong Son province has won the top award at a national contest that seeks to encourage locals to conserve forestland.

Baan Tor Phrae community forest was declared Best National Community Forest, beating more than 1,200 others. The local community also won a trophy from HRH Princess Maha Chaki Sirindhorn, plus Bt200,000 in cash.

Chaiyadech Sutinakorn, the head of Baan Tor Phrae village, said at the award presentation: "I encouraged people in my hometown to set up the Baan Tor Phrae community forest committee six years ago, because I want everyone to contribute to forest conservation."

The ceremony took place earlier this week at the Government Complex in Chaeng Wattana, Bangkok. It was part of the "Love the Forest and Community" programme launched in collaboration with the Royal Forest Department and Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding.

Baan Tor Phrae community forest is considered outstanding due to the efforts of local people, as well as proper regulations laid down by the committee in charge. Residents, temples and schools have also joined the effort.

Under proper management, villagers are not allowed to fell trees and watchmen have been appointed to take turns patrolling the area.

"Also, only contributors are allowed to use the forest's resources. We recognise that contribution from local people is necessary to achieve the goal," Chaiyadech said.

Baan Tor Phrae community forest covers 1,170 rai with a rich variety of plants. After several years of rehabilitation, the forest now sports 300 different types of herbs, which earn the community about Bt30,000 every year.

The villagers are also able to generate income from eco-tourism, as tourists can trek through the forest, which was once used by Japanese soldiers during World War II.

The fertile forest also provides water for the community.

Chaiyadech said his community had implemented several eco-friendly projects, such as making natural fertiliser, leaf-coal briquettes and making bricks with soil.

Apart from Baan Tor Phrae, 137 other community forests also won awards, with 65 being named "Best Provincial Community Forest". There was also a special award in the category "Youths Love the Forest", which saw Noon Yai community forest in Si Sa Ket province winning that honour.

"At present, 9,470 villages have established community forests covering more than 4 million rai, with 3,534 community forests being set up between 2008 and 2015," Natural Resources and Environment Minister General Surasak Kanjanarat said.

He believes the increase reflects people's rising awareness of the importance of forestland.

Rum Herabat, president of Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding, explained that forests were a key source of food for communities, also lowered carbon dioxide emissions and eased the greenhouse effect.

Rum believes competitions such as this one would encourage communities to protect and preserve their natural resources, as well as ensure fertility and sustainability of their food sources.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Mae-Hong-Son-community-forest-wins-big-30271494.html


-- The Nation 2015-10-24

[jaltsc]

I'll remember this come March and the burning of the fields and the other forests in this area produce so much smoke which makes it almost impossible to breathe.