Potential of Community Forests in Maintaining Ecological Connectivity at the Landscape Level in the North of Thailand

Forest administration in Thailand is shared by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and the Royal Forest Department (RFD). The DNP manages all protected areas, while the RFD oversees reserved forests and community forests. This division creates challenges in applying a landscape approach to managing forest resources to ensure ecological connectivity. The Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary (OKWS), a protected area under the DNP in the north of Thailand, is home to key species such as the long-tailed goral, elephant, and banteng, as well as to Karen and Lahu ethnic communities who have resided in the area since long before it was established as a wildlife sanctuary. The surrounding reserved forest harbors several community forests, while more forest lands are encroached for agricultural purposes. The Thailand Environment Institute is working with the DNP to identify measures to reduce pressure on protected areas, particularly the OKWS. A literature review, focus group discussions with key stakeholders, and key informant interviews with DNP and RFD officials were conducted from October to December 2023 to develop suitable conservation activities and recommendations for sustainable forest landscape management. Results indicated that promoting sustainable land use for communities inside the wildlife sanctuary, sustainable use of community forests, ecotourism or cultural tourism, and enhancing livelihoods could reduce pressures on the protected area. Strengthening collaboration between the DNP and RFD in integrated forest mangement, spatial planning, and joint patrolling are key activities to ensure the ecological connectivity and ecosystem health of protected, reserved, and community forests.