Abstract:
This research aimed to study the role, authority and status of Community leaders, along with problems, obstacles and guidelines on forest conservation of Ban Numpak, Tanchum Sub-district, Thawangpha District, Nan Province. Data providers were divided into two groups with a total of 14 people as follows: 1) Formal leaders, including the Thawangpha Chief District Officer, Thawangpha District bailiffs responsible for security forces, Nantaburi superintendent, Head of Subsai Watershed Management Unit, the headman, the assistant headman and the members of Tanchum Sub-district Administrative Organization. 2) Informal leaders including local intellectuals, the president of womens group, the president of elderly group, the luminaries and volunteers of Ban Numpak Village. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. Data were analyzed by classification and organizing information into catagories by question then find the answers and conclusions of the research problem and research objectives set. The research results were as follows: 1) The role, authority and status of Ban Numpak community leaders in forest conservation divided into two groups, Formal leaders and Informal leaders, consisted of the following roles and authority: Formal leaders hold the role and authority of law enforcement in the prevention and suppression of Forest law offenders. and Informal leaders possess the roles and responsibilities in supporting and participating in co-operation with the formal leaders in promoting awareness of forest conservation, along with setting a good example in conserving the forest. 2) Problems and obstacles in forest conservation were that the forest area were mostly steep hills, making access difficult. Therefore, the state have been unable to take care of the area thoroughly. Moreover, there are deforestation to expand agricultural areas. Also, financial support from state and local government is limited. 3) Guidelines on conserving the forest include instilling values and awareness, knowledge and understanding to youths about the importance of forests and the effect of deforestation, and also encouraging young people to participate in the conservation and restoration of forests.
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