Abstract:
The purposes of this research were to investigate the knowledge management of community forests for the promotion of local wisdom in Thailand and other countries; to analyze the knowledge management of community forests for the promotion of local wisdom; and to propose guidelines for the knowledge management of community forestry for the promotion of local wisdom. The methodology used in this research included 1) documentary analysis, 2) field research, and 3) focus group discussion. The research findings were as follows: 1. The knowledge management of community forests for the promotion of local wisdom in Thailand and other countries has been carried out based on culture, religious principles and beliefs. The people living in community forests rely on natural resources. There were diverse organizations concerned, the main ones being community organizations, supported by other organizations both inside and outside the areas. The laws, policies, plans and regulations for community forests were utilized as the guidelines for knowledge management based on their local wisdom. Their local wisdoms were promoted through various research or pilot projects in order that their best practices could be applied in other communities and other countries. 2. The analysis of knowledge management of community forests for the promotion of local wisdom in Thailand from 4 case studies found that each forest community had a committee to be responsible for operating following the regulations and community forest management plans in accordance with their way of life and local wisdom. The knowledge management of community forests in Thailand emphasizes raising the awareness of the value of natural resources, drawing knowledge from local wisdom, storing and transferring knowledge via various channels depending on their community context. The promotion of local wisdom was based on religion and beliefs in order to create trust and was operated through the learning system of community and educational system of the country. 3. The guidelines for knowledge management of community forests for the promotion of local wisdom in Thailand are comprised of three elements as follows: 1) The encouragement of knowledge management of community forests for the promotion of local wisdom by building awareness as well as building, collecting, transferring and utilizing knowledge; 2) The promotion of cooperation and participation of relevant sectors through the promotion from central and local organizations; and 3) The development of clear and comprehensive framework of laws, policies and implementation for operation, including the monitoring, and evaluation for development.