Prasong Jantakad and Stephen Carson

Transcription

1 COMMUNITY-BASED NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FROM VILLAGES TO AN INTER-VILLAGE NETWORK: A CASE STUDY IN PANG MA PHA DISTRICT, MAE HONG SON PROVINCE, NORTHERN THAILAND Prasong Jantakad and Stephen Carson INTRODUCTION The forests in northern Thailand are one of the largest remaining forest resources of the country and serve as the main watershed areas for the Chao Phraya basin (1). Increasing emphasis is now being placed nationally on the conservation of flora and fauna in these fertile, but sensitive watersheds. The highlands of northern Thailand are populated by approximately 800,000 highlanders of different ethnic minority groups. Their traditional agricultural systems are based on shifting cultivation, with upland rice and maize on sloping land, paddy rice production in the valleys and opium poppy and extensive livestock production for their cash needs. However, precise systems and settlement structures differ according to ethnic origin and cultural background. In the past, these diversified farming systems were well adapted to highland conditions, when population density was low and available land suitable for shifting cultivation was still abundant. Karen farmers, for example, developed paddy irrigation systems and associated permanent settlements at river sites; while Lisu and Lahu minorities developed upland rice and mixed farming systems based on shifting cultivation. After the soil was depleted of nutrients and weeds could no longer be managed, the whole village moved to another area and cleared a new forested area. A natural succession soon covered the upland fields with vegetation, secondary forest grew and soil fertility was regenerated until the next cropping cycle began. A sustainable production system with long fallow periods developed in which the soil was able to recover. Thus, no measures were necessary to further improve, maintain or manage natural resources in a sustainable way. In early 1980 s, Thai government policy for sensitive border areas focused mainly on issues of national security and the elimination of opium poppy production. Permanent settlement was encouraged and alternative crops introduced. However, in some situations this led to an acceleration of forest destruction as villagers expanded their landholdings to grow crops with a lower value-to-land area ratio than opium. During this same period, the Royal Forest Department (RFD) tried to enforce laws and regulations restricting the use of forest land. The villagers themselves were not directly involved in forest management, other than through occasional arrests and detention for forest encroachment. As the communities had little sense of belonging or awareness of any need to preserve the natural resources, encroachment in watersheds intensified and impacted directly on people living downstream by reducing the supply of water for irrigation, especially during the dry season. Concurrently, significant areas of the highlands were declared as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries or reserved forestry areas and a national watershed classification system was introduced. Consequently, many settlements became illegal regardless of how long they had existed. Logging was banned in 1989 to protect the remaining forest resources. International CBNRM Workshop, Washington, D.C., May

2 Many conflicts arose over the use of land, the extraction of forest products and the boundaries of resources between villages and tambons (sub-districts). Some villagers and/or outsiders traded in timber products in the absence of community accepted rules and regulations governing the proper use of such natural resources. No forum existed to allow village leaders to exchange opinions and experiences concerning these problems. The Thai Forestry Sector Master Plan of 1994 admits that the past approach to forestry has failed and proposed a focus on more participation in forest management, with local people as partners. However, relocation is still a policy in protected areas and land ownership, land-use rights or legal use of forest products is generally still denied to the highland people. Despite these legal aspects, the government has increased its efforts to induce development in the highlands and integrate minorities into Thai society. This process is still hampered by the fact that some government officials apply a top down approach when dealing with ethnic minority farmers, and there generally remains a lack of trust, confidence and practical tools with which responsible implementing agencies (RIAs) can tackle these difficult issues. Cooperation is required to develop sustainable farming systems and improve resource management. The recent experience of several highland development projects indicates that a coordinated community-based approach based on a participatory land-use planning process is needed to generate improvements in the living conditions of highland people. Many departments are involved in farming systems development and forest resource management. THE THAI-GERMAN HIGHLAND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME The Thai-German Highland Development Programme (TG-HDP) is a Regional Rural Development project jointly executed by the Thai Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ). The TG-HDP was initiated in 1981 and will be completed in September The goal of the project is the quality of life of the highland population is improved, the drug abuse problems are reduced and the ecological balance is maintained better. The project has operated in three sites in Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son provinces of northern Thailand. During the final phase of the TG-HDP, the implementation has been focused on four main issues: (i) Community-based land-use planning and local watershed management; (ii) Community-based drug abuse control; (iii) Rural financial management; and, (iv) Off-farm income generation. As TG-HDP has been operating for almost two decades, development concepts and approaches have been modified over time to reflect changing framework conditions in highland areas. The agriculture, forestry and natural resource management (NRM) programmes have evolved from crop replacement, through soil and water conservation (SWC) to sustainable farming system (SFS) and community-based land-use planning and local watershed management (CLM) (see Attachment 1 for details of concepts, assumptions, objectives and approached and main activities). This paper concentrates on the CLM concept which is based on a participatory development approach involving both the local inhabitants and development agencies. The guiding principles of the concept are that the conservation of natural resources in the highlands can only be achieved if: The inhabitants of these areas have a sense of permanency and belonging and are able to International CBNRM Workshop, Washington, D.C., May

3 contribute their ideas to an overall development process which integrates agricultural practices with social activities and emphasizes people s participation and self-reliance; Their right to use natural resources in their community in a sustainable manner is accepted; They have sufficient land from which to make a living and continue to improve their socioeconomic situation in relation to the overall development of the country; The issuance of legally accepted land-use rights is a long term national objective; Resource management planning is based on the characteristics and potentials of the land, water and forests; and, Destructive resource management practices are progressively phased out and replaced by efficient and sustainable methods. If these principles are followed, it is believed, and has been shown, that highland villagers will cease to encroach into forest areas and take measures to conserve community resources. A number of considerations relate directly to these guiding principles. These include: The community has an important role to play in resource (land, water, forest) management as it is located closest to these resources; When a community accepts the responsibility to manage local resources, it needs to clearly understand the purpose of each designated area and its proper conservation and utilization for the benefit of community members; Development agencies should support local communities in terms of exchange of knowledge and ideas to solve problems and identify appropriate alternatives and solutions. They should also improve the understanding of communities to develop appropriate rules and regulations; and, Networking and increased cooperation between neighboring villages and tambons has the potential to improve the achievement of successful resource management. The CLM Process as a whole attempts to contribute to an appropriate elaboration of the legal and institutional aspects of highland development related to NRM. It tries to strengthen the capacities of communities to manage their affairs and establish trustful relationships between villagers and government officials based on participatory working principles with regard to land-use planning and resource management. The overall objectives of the CLM process are stated as expected outcomes of the process in relation to NRM. These are defined as: Improved sustainable use of land, water and forests for the benefit of the community, the local area, the region and the nation as a whole; Rehabilitated watershed catchment areas; and, Intensified agricultural production on suitable land. The specific objectives or outputs of the CLM process relate directly to the means by which the overall objectives are attained. These are identified as: Increased mutual understanding of all stakeholders with regard to the present land-use system, its constraints and potentials; Increased awareness of on-going degradation processes and the need to improve the management and conservation of the limited resources; Increased discussion of land-use problems and possible solutions; International CBNRM Workshop, Washington, D.C., May

4 Increased support to communities and their members to improve their skills in land-use planning and the monitoring of changes made to resource management practices; Reduced conflict over land-use and increased ability to solve disputes; Clearer understanding between communities and government officers on land-use within designated areas (especially forest reserves and wildlife sanctuaries); Improved cooperation between government agencies; Improved capacities on the part of local organizations to sustainably manage their natural resources; Consolidated indigenous knowledge of resource management amongst community members; and, Improved legal situation for highland people with regard to land security, land tenure or land ownership. The CLM process is now considered to broadly follow 6 working steps as shown in Figure 1. The working steps are presented in details in Attachment 2. CLM was initially implemented in three (3) test run villages starting in Since 1995, the programme has expanded to include more than 30 villages, 4 inter-village networks, and 4 tambons (sub-districts). During actual implementation of the CLM process, the three-dimensional topographic model has been found to be a very effective and useful tool in assisting the community leaders and government officers to assess present land limitations, problems and conflicts. A series of forums have been conducted with community organizations in each village. These forums have considered critical impacts on the community and have identified the most appropriate solutions to existing problems by, for example, establishing rules and regulations taking account of local wisdom and innovations, identifying resource boundaries and elaborating long term watershed protection plans. The villagers themselves have played the most significant role with their profound knowledge of the local resources. The key factor in the process is the strengthening of the capabilities of communities to manage their affairs. The role of project staff has been critical in initiating the CLM process and providing on-going human resource development (HRD) opportunities. Government agency support in the implementation of specific activities has led to the establishment of trustful relationship between villagers and government officials based on a participatory working approach. Implementation emphasizes interactive learning through action with field staff acting as facilitators rather than instructors. International CBNRM Workshop, Washington, D.C., May

5 Figure 1. The Six Broad Working Steps of the Community-Based Land-Use Planning and Local Watershed Management (CML) Model TG Thai-German PO People s Organisation 3-D 3-Dimensional Model TAO Tambon Administrative Organisation NRM Natural Resource Management GO Government Organisation PWA Participatory Working Approach EMERGENCE OF THE PANG MA PHA HILLTRIBE NETWORK ORGANIZATION Pang Ma Pha district, the site of the case study, is situated adjacent to the border with Burma (Myanmar) in an area (the Golden Triangle) famous for its history of opium production and trading. Pang Ma Pha is one of seven districts in Mae Hong Son province and is located about 60 km from the provincial capital. The district is populated by diverse ethnic minorities, namely: Shan, Karen, Black Lahu, Red Lahu, Lau (Lawa) and Lisu. Natural population growth and inmigration have resulted in an increase in population from some 6,000 in 1984 to more than 15,000 in Its physical geography consists of steep mountains made up of limestone complex, referred to in local folklore as: the place where spirits exist, the land of a hundred caves, a graceful mountain stands, a land where many hill tribes throng. The district land area is classified into three types: (i) Wildlife sanctuary (60 percent); (ii) National reservation forest (37 percent); and, (iii) Forest International CBNRM Workshop, Washington, D.C., May

6 park covering 3 percent of the total area. Many of the 34 villages are legally resident according to Ministry of Interior regulations but illegally settled according to forest law. Only 12 percent the land is classified as being suitable for permanent cultivation. Since 1996, the community level experiences have progressed and expanded to inter-village network and tambon levels. The case study is concentrated on one particular inter-village network, Pang Ma Pha Hilltribe Network Organization, which began with 3 neighboring villages coming together to develop and agree on guidelines to harvest and manage bamboo shoots for sale. The holding of regular forums interested other villages and during 1997, the original network developed into the Natural Resource and Environment Section of the Pang Ma Pha Hilltribe Network which encompasses 20 villages. The steps in the evolution of this network (as summarized in Attachment 3) are: 1. Point of Inception / Origin An initial survey on the use of non-wood forest products in Pang Ma Pha villages, was conducted in It was found that most non-wood forest product users were the villagers themselves and the forest products, especially rattan and several vegetable crops, were used mainly for household consumption. However, some items, which were being intentionally removed from the forest for sale, had become a major source of additional income for many families. These products included mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and orchids. As most people handling these products were poor, the project considered them as its main target group. 2. Commencement of Joint Understanding By 1995, the collection and sale of forest products had become an important source of income for the villagers of Ban Luk Khao Lam, Ban Bor Krai and Ban Jabo. These villages are all situated close to the main Pai - Mae Hong Son road where they can sell products such as bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and ornamental plants. Discussions with the people revealed that each village had its own distinct collection methods. Products were harvested from similar forest areas which in some cases overlapped with other villages. There were no existing rules and regulations and some products were collected intensively. The villagers normally could not sell all that they gathered and excess often went to waste. Some villagers periodically contacted private buyers who came with large trucks to buy the entire village supply. Consequently, collection of forest products such as bamboo shoots, became extremely competitive between villagers. The first forum for the group of forest collectors, was held at Ban Luk Khao Lam village in During this meeting, two resource persons from the Division of Forest Research and Development of the Royal Forest Department (RFD), were invited to convey their knowledge and provide recommendations to the villagers on technical methods of collecting forest products and conducting sustainable product management. After this event, the villagers from all three villages became deeply aware of the situation and agreed to develop a sustainable and proper management of forest product collection. They began to hold negotiations amongst themselves to agree on rules and regulations, guidelines for collecting forest products, and the identification of forest areas in each village where product collection could be carried out. Discussion on the latter topic was facilitated by the use of topographic models during each meeting. 3. Initiation of Networking (Bamboo Shoot Group Network) The initiative to set up rules and regulations for the collection of forest products was initially only directed towards the villagers involved in the collection of such products. In order for these rules International CBNRM Workshop, Washington, D.C., May

7 and regulations to become more effective, the scope, in terms of village participation, needed to broaden its focus to include the whole community. A representative of the group of forest product collectors presented these rules to other members of his/her own community for further discussion. This gave other villagers an opportunity to express their opinions and accept the agreed upon regulations. As a result of these discussions, members of the group decided to initiate monthly forums, which would also include discussions of other issues. A core of 6-8 villagers were usually present during each meeting and the venue was rotated among the 3 villages. At these meetings it was also discussed how the rules and regulations were actually being implemented. In summary, each meeting served as a forum for network members to exchange their knowledge and experiences and provide assistance or solutions for any problems encountered. 4. A More Defined Network News that the three villages had formed a network to manage their community forest and implement jointly agreed measures soon spread to other neighboring villages. Their leaders expressed an interest in joining the network, thus broadening the scope of community membership. As a consequence, the forest areas under network management consideration increased. The range of issues expanded to include land-use conflicts, forest encroachment in watershed areas, animal raising and those arising from the territorial boundaries between villages and the delineation of watershed forest/farming areas. At present (1998), 20 villages make up the network and the trend indicates that membership will further increase in the future. At first, as the network grew larger, the working efficiency decreased. The villagers soon identified this problem and with facilitation by project staff decided to set-up a working committee to administer the implementation of the network in a more effective and responsive manner. The committee comprised a network leader, secretary and a representative from each village. The aim was for this committee to represent the network and act as an authorized body during cases of conflict in the use of natural resources. Through this committee, the network became more acceptable to other organizations such as those from government, NGOs and especially the Tambon Administrative Organization (TAO) (2). This enabled them to plan and develop NRM in target areas and represent the network during coordination with other agencies, thereby facilitating the provision of cooperation and funding to support activities being implemented. 5. Impact The results of implementation by the Pang Ma Pha Hilltribe Natural Resource Management Network Organization reveals the following impacts: The resolution of conflicts, such as the identification of village boundaries for farming areas, watershed forest and others, was made possible with the participation of the villagers; Rules and regulations for the management of natural resources were created; Network planning for NRM was established; NRM made an impact at the TAO level due to the activities of the network. Subsequently, the TAO adopted the network to serve as sub-committee in the management of natural resources and environment at the sub-district level; and, By participating in the network, the members were able to experience that by working together they could solve problems and improve their local environment. The scope of the network has now been expanded to include not only: (i) Natural resources and environment; International CBNRM Workshop, Washington, D.C., May

8 but also, (ii) The problem of drug addiction; (iii) Conservation of hilltribe cultures and traditions; and, (iv) Support for the education and accommodation of students. The expanded group which calls itself the Pang Ma Pha Hilltribe Network has developed a well-structured committee, sub-committee and administrative structure. THE OUTCOME The Pang Ma Pha Hilltribe Network originated in three Black Lahu villages, Ban Luk Khao Lam, Ban Bor Krai and Ban Jabo. It started by grouping together a few villagers in the community who wanted to improve their management of forest products, especially bamboo shoots. It then expanded by including people from other neighboring villages. A forum has been formed where people can exchange their ideas. Forum meetings are held monthly and hosted by villages in rotation. During each forum, the network tries to find solutions to problems and conflicts concerning land-use and natural resources, or any other particular problems that directly affect members of the network. A great deal of discussion takes place during each forum until the villagers are clear about a situation and are able to reach an understanding. Apart from this regular forum, network members also participate in the identification of each village boundary. They also facilitate the clear recognition of areas for which they have responsibility and the boundaries of cultivation areas. Due to the existence of this organization, the villagers are able to exchange their experiences, provide mutual assistance and learn from each other. The NRM section of the Pang Ma Pha Hilltribe Network has set a target of promoting all network members in every household in Pang Ma Pha district to have a good understanding of the participatory system of NRM. In each community, there should be a clear recognition of every part or type of natural resource so that each can be managed conveniently and properly. All communities will have their own rules and regulations on the practical use and management of their resources, as accepted by every community member taking into consideration the rights of each individual. Finally, the network should be completely accepted by government agencies and other organizations. As a result of working together as a network, the members have been able to become more aware of their overall local situation. They have gained more confidence and capability towards the management of natural resources in their own community. The network has also contributed to an improvement in the attitude of the local government officials especially with respect to the saying, man can live in harmony with the forest, and the evolution of a Community Forest Act in Thailand. THE LESSONS LEARNED AND IMPACT The changes that have occurred have been due to many factors, some directly related to the project while others are due to the services and improved facilities provided by various government programs and to the increasing opportunities generated by an expanding private sector. However, it is the villagers themselves who have initiated the most significant changes in their communities. The implementation of community-based NRM in Pang Ma Pha district, Mae Hong Son Province has resulted in the following impacts: International CBNRM Workshop, Washington, D.C., May

9 Rules and regulations for the management of the natural resources have been created and strictly followed by villagers, especially with regards to the harvesting of forest products and watershed protection; The tambon and network organization situated in the same watershed area or sharing similar resources, have improved their management capabilities; The integration of traditions and cultural practices related to natural resource conservation, such as tree ordination, has increased the level of community involvement; An increase in the capabilities and confidence of community leaders can lead to unexpected outcomes. In Nam Lang area (Pang Ma Pha district), the formation of the Pang Ma Pha Hilltribe Network Organization was an initiative of the leaders themselves which later stimulated the TAO to adopt the network to act as a sub-committee in the management of natural resources and environment; In working together as a network on NRM, the villagers were able to focus on the benefits and advantages derived from such cooperation through a process of self-realization in their own environment. This enabled the network to expand its objectives and to broaden its scope by including problem resolution in 4 areas: (i) NRM; (ii) Drug addiction; (iii) Conservation of hill tribe culture and tradition; and, (iv) Education and boarding accommodation support for students; A network that originates from a very small number of interested farmers who have common problems and are able to obtain similar benefits, has demonstrated that effective implementation and long term sustainability can be achieved. Members of such a network have a good understanding and deep awareness of the need to solve problems on a broader scale than only at the community level; The identification of village boundaries and community natural resources such as cultivation areas, watershed and multi-purpose forests and animal grazing areas, progressively allows the villagers to clearly understand the attributes of NRM. A deep sense of ownership and belonging is generated resulting in conscious participation in resource conservation; The conservation or management of natural resources (forest) has to be carried out in parallel with the development of the agricultural system. These two aspects are linked to one another with no clear separation between them; As the CLM approach emphasizes strengthening of the capabilities of people organizations, it therefore has a direct impact on their ability in several areas such as the establishment of regulations and ensuring that they are being fully respected; Community leaders have more confidence to communicate with local government agencies, whilst at the same time, these agencies, especially the Royal Forest Department, have gained greater appreciation of indigenous knowledge and skills; and, The progression from individual through community to concerted network and sub-district action in the domain of natural NRM would not have been possible without the involvement of project field staff who had many years of experience and had developed skills in using a participatory approach to work with ethnic minority people. CONCLUSION The CLM program has produced a significant impact in several respects. The capabilities and confidence of the community leaders have been greatly enhanced, enabling them to manager their resources in a more sustainable way and to effectively relay information by communicating and explaining their resource management to the concerned government agencies. Community organizations have increased their intrinsic knowledge and skills in the sustainable use of resources. The people have also been acquainted with, and practices, land-use conflict resolution International CBNRM Workshop, Washington, D.C., May

10 process. In these ways their willingness to cooperate for improved NRM has led to the establishment of an inter-village network. Together they have been able to address such issues as the protection and rehabilitation of sensitive watershed forests, the establishment of network rules and regulations for use of forest products, improved cohesion within communities, and the setting up of an NRM committee by tambon administrative organizations (TAOs) to respond to various NRM issues (planning, monitoring, etc.). The provincial forestry office has accepted the CLM/NRM approach of the TG-HDP with its emphasis on the participation of the community and the people. Now considered as appropriate for highland areas, this approach has also been applied and implemented in other districts of Mae Hong Son province. Endnotes (1) Northern Thailand covers 56 percent of Thailand s total remaining forests according to Forestry Statistics 1992 (Forestry Information Service Bureau, Royal Forest Department). (2) The Tambon Administrative Organization is an elected body responsible for social and economic matters at sub-district level. International CBNRM Workshop, Washington, D.C., May

11 Attachment 1. Summary of Programmes, Assumptions, Objectives and Approaches and Main Activities of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management of TG-HDP Year Concept Assumptions, Objectives and Approaches Main Activities RIA extension concept Crop replacement Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) Appropriate RIA concepts are available to achieve reduction of opium production Provision of inputs New crops, i.e. coffee, red kidney bean Technical recommendation for new crops Soil loss is a main reason for shifting Introduce and test a permanent cropping system with SWC measures Extension of a fixed SWC package Provide inputs and incentives to farmers and extension workers Top down extension approach Buffer strips of grass, leuceana and pigeon pea SWC measures as a package of minimum tillage, zero burning, mulching early weeding, close spacing, fertilization, crop rotation contour planting Integration of perennials into SWC plots, i.e. growing coffee and fruit trees along buffer strips Since 1990 Sustainable Farming Systems (SFS) Restriction to SWC did not address farmers problems Negligence by other farm enterprises systems Achieve development of sustainable farming systems Provide more options for potential innovations Consider farmer needs and farmer evaluation Participatory extension emphasis on farmer training farmers Optional SWC measures Subsistent and cash, annual and perennial crops development Livestock production development Small scale irrigation and paddy rice cultivation development Community- Based Land- Use Planning and Local Watershed Management (CLM) Introduction of permanent farming systems and release land from shifting cultivation CLM allows optimization of land allocation for annual and perennial crops CLM measures according to farmers requests Coordinated planning of different RIAs with villagers Implementation and follow up of social forestry activities Mutual decisions on land-use, based on social consent, increasing farmer security Topographic model building and participatory mapping as tools for land-use planning Village meeting with RIAs and villagers on land-use plan and land management Pasture improvement International CBNRM Workshop, Washington, D.C., May

12 Attachment 2. Community-Based Land-Use planning and Local Watershed Management - Working Steps 1. Concept Preparation and Establishment of Coordination With Concerned Agencies Conduct preparatory meetings with the concerned RIAs to clarify the CLM concept and approach with regard to methodology, skills, knowledge and application of a participatory working approach. Study tours to sites with effective community-based resource management are particularly effective. Specific training, for example on the construction of a 3-dimensional topographic model may also be given; and, Select target areas, introduce the CLM concept and approach and reach an understanding with each community on how to proceed. 2. Monitor and Assess Present Land-Use and Community Management of Their Natural Resources Carry out a study of the community using methodologies and tools such as Rural Systems Analysis (RSA), Participatory Rural Analysis (PRA), community land resource mapping and use of a 3-dimentional topographic model; Identify community groups and leaders who are particularly involved in NRM; Analyze the potentials, limitations, problems and conflicts concerning NRM in the community; Participate in regular monthly village meetings to facilitate and monitor the process of consideration of NRM issues; and, Raise awareness amongst community leaders through study tours to other villages already practicing effective NRM. 3. Plan Land-Use and Natural Resource Management With the Responsible Community Organizations Analyze and classify present land-uses and identify the boundaries of each land-use category (focus group discussion, 3-D model); Gather indigenous NRM knowledge in terms of benefits, rules and regulations; Establish land-use plans (short and longer term) for agriculture, livestock and watershed catchment protection according to the basic needs and critical impacts on the community; Identify and prioritize development activities to support the land-use plans; and, Strengthen the capacity of the responsible village organizations as the key mechanism by which NRM will be effected. 4. Implementation of Development Activities to Improve Natural Resource Management and the Establishment of Linkages With Neighboring Communities Coordinate with RIAs to obtain support for the implementation of activities to improve NRM; Implement activities according to agreed plans; Monitor changes to land-use and provide training in individual plot land-use mapping. Establish forums for regular meetings with neighboring villages, paying particular attention to: Land boundary confirmation; Conflict resolution; International CBNRM Workshop, Washington, D.C., May

13 Joint monitoring of resource utilization; and, Modify/update rule and regulations for NRM including forest fire control. 5. Strengthening of Responsible Community Organizations and Inter-Village Networks Joint planning of NRM between villages; Establishment of a formal network with local administrative bodies, in particular the Tambon Administrative Organization (TAO), which has legal responsibilities to safeguard natural resources in the sub-district; Coordinate with responsible agencies at district and provincial levels; and, Facilitate the holding of inter-village network forums to exchange experiences. 6. Dissemination of Experiences to Other Areas and Contribute Towards the Development of Appropriate policies Spread the CLM experiences to community organizations and agencies in other districts, provinces and regions (by hosting study tours, conducting workshops, providing training); and, Identify means by which these experiences can be included in the process of policy development (in workshops, attending meetings, demonstrating with maps and GIS). International CBNRM Workshop, Washington, D.C., May

14 Attachment 3. The Evolution of Natural Resource Management by the Network Organization in T. Pang Ma Pha 1. Point of Inception 2. Start of Joint Understanding 3. Initiation of Networking 4. A More Defined Network Conduct forum analysis of the situation on bamboo shoots and notwood forest products Analyze and search for interested groups Discover interested groups Create forum for exchange of ideas Begin awareness / consciousness of joint benefits Identify resources boundaries Start to form regulations Meet for exchange of experiences among villages Possess joint NRM rules Assist each other Jointly solve common problems of the group Network for solving existing problems Form an administrative structure Possess joint regulations Increase network members Coordinate with external agencies and between villagers Develop leadership and skills Search for source of funds Plan 5. Impact Adjust the administrative structure Increase the role and function / task Link with TAO (Tambon Administrative Organization) and other network / organization Set-up targets for problem-solving Natural resources and the environment Drug addiction Culture Education + accommodation International CBNRM Workshop, Washington, D.C., May