COMMUNITIES & BIODIVERSITY

Over the years the Thai state has enacted various laws to protect and conserve forests and wildlife and brought virtually all forest land under state control. These laws, although designed to curb illegal logging, have also de-legitimized the indigenous people who have been living in the forests without title deeds to their land. On 21 December 2007, the Community Forest Act was finally passed but provisions in the Act dismantle the rights of numerous communities that have been protecting the forests for a long time. Indigenous people's groups believe the Act will result in further violation of the communities right to manage natural resources such as land forest and water.

Policy makers and the general public are often unaware of the important roles ingenious communities play in protecting wildlife, managing, and monitoring the natural environment. The Community Forest Act provides little support for communities to formally engage in wildlife conservation and management. While there is a role for policing measures in wildlife protection, there is also a need to create strategies that are humane both to animals and to resident peoples.

The Akha and other indigenous groups have a distinct way of life, practices that are intricately linked with nature, forests and wildlife. Their way of life is sustainable and nature friendly and these traditions have been taught and passed on from one generation to the next. The unique ecosystems around the world are just beginning to be understood by scientists. Studies indicate they are rich in bio diversity and critically important components in the world’s eco system. Managing these unusual environments presents special challenges, especially as population growth and commercial timber exploitation has placed intense pressures on them. AFECT works with local organizations and community groups to find ways to protect and conserve these rare and endangered habitats.

Since 1999 AFECT as been working to bridge partnerships between policy makers and the indigenous community in an effort to stabilize critical habitats and their flora and fauna, including lowland rainforests, montane forests, and deciduous forests.

In 2003 the BORDERLINE FORESTRY COMMUNITY NETWORK secured a grant under the UNDP to expand its work into 15 villages across 4 provinces. Under a partnership with the Thai Forestry Department these 15 villages manage the forest and secure livelihoods for xxx village people. In addition AFECT secured 12,000 Rai (2650 hectors) to be protected and managed under The Life For Hill Tribe Forestry Project which is managed by 9 villages in Mauphalumb district, Chiang Rai.

In March 2009 the Life For Hill Tribe Forestry Project returned 1000 Rai (222 hectors) to grow as a protected wildlife reserve.

AFECT would like to build an AKHA FORESTRY SCHOOL to train interested partners about forestry management. Please email for further details.