Environmental policy and administrative management

Formerly endowed with natural resources, the project location now becomes an expanse of mono-crops, especially sugar cane , paddy and other short-term vegetables. As a rule, farmers struggle to increase or maintain the yield by application of chemical substances. This has become ,if not a tradition, a normal, uncontrollable practice. In addition, natural forest has been under threat by land encroachment. The effects of these practices have resulted in degradation of both land and water ecosystem a national-regional and eventually global phenomenon. Without a sound management plan for natural resources and ecosystems, the whole area would become a degraded land within a foreseeable future. In order to pave the way to the sound management plan, building capacity of youth and community members in a participatory way must be carried out urgently by basing on social and cultural system of target communities which would accrue and have its consequence upon global environment. Besides, the practices can be replicated in other communities in the region. Target communities comprising community members, women s group, youth groups and members of TAOs collectively realized the threats. They are ready to share experience, formulate strategic direction and steps for efficient capacity building and demonstration of appropriate agricultural practice. Project participants and/or beneficiaries: 1.About 200 youth members and 12 pilot farming families are primary beneficiaries with the remaining around 1,000 household as secondary beneficiaries. 2.Other agencies as direct contributors to the project: - Khao Noi Tambol Administrative Organization - All schools in Phu Wiang Fundamental Education Office - Phu Wiang National Park - Bong Watershed Conservation Unit Activities to be carried out under project: 1.Launching camping , seminars, study-tours and training 2.Putting into practices what have been learnt 3.Planting trees of native species 4.Producing dissemination materials to other communities (24 villages) Anticipated results/Immediate Outputs of project: 1.About 100 youth leaders, 60 staff members, 20 members of TAOs , and 20 volunteers (total 200) gaining insight on the integrated management of ecosystems 2.Emergence of the followings: -2,000 more trees in target area -community environment conservation groups -community and resources inventories -500 books on environment conservation of Tambol Khao Noi -At least 12 demonstration plots of environmentally-friendly sugar-cane plantation

Thailand