Participatory management of forest resources in Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, Nakai District, Khammouan Province, Case study: Navang areas and Teung areas

Authors

  • Viphakone Pongpassa National University of Laos, Vientiane, Laos
  • Sengdeaun Wayakone National University of Laos, Vientiane, Laos
  • Bounthavy Douangphosy National University of Laos, Vientiane, Laos

Keywords:

Participatory management, forest resources, Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, Navang areas, Teng areas

Abstract

This research focuses on participatory forest resource management within Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, specifically in the Navang and Teng Areas. The study aims to achieve the following goals: Evaluate Development and Conservation Efforts (2011-2017): Assess the effectiveness of conservation and development initiatives undertaken during this period, Investigate Participation: Analyze the roles and involvement of various stakeholders in preserving forest resources. Improve Implementation Strategies: Identify ways to enhance conservation efforts and stakeholder participation. Methodology: Qualitative Approach: The research employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing both secondary document analysis and targeted interviews, Target Group: Interviews were conducted with a total of 22 participants, including: 7 family representatives from 9 villages in the Navang area, 13 representatives from the Teng area and Navang area, Additionally, 5 representatives from mass organizations. Data Analysis: Document and content analysis were performed according to pre-defined issues.                                                                                                    Findings: Administrative Coordination (2005 to 2017): The implementation of administrative measures aligned with Decree 471/PM, which provided a structured approach to planning and task assignment. NT2 WMNA has been identified as a central coordinating body, ensuring periodic tasks were executed according to the set plan. Financial Management: Compliance with Decree 471/PM emphasizes the importance of financial resources in facilitating the preservation and development of the national park. Despite overall completion of initiatives, many at the provincial, district, and village levels stalled due to staffing shortages. Legal Enforcement: Enforcement of laws related to Nakai Nam Theun National Park is supported by Prime Minister’s Decree No. 36/Ny (2019), which outlines governance for conservation and protection. The management of water sources and oversight of tourism have been integrated, with collaboration from domestic and international organizations for research and biodiversity monitoring. Regular patrol inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with laws, supported by Prime Minister Decree No. 25/Ny (2001), which established the framework for nature conservation. Awareness and Outreach: Initiatives to raise awareness about conservation included projects targeting students and local communities in the Nawang and Teng areas. These efforts utilized news articles, radio, television broadcasts, and other forms of communication to promote conservation messages.                                    

References

Prime Minister Decree, (2019): On the establishment of Nakai Nam Theun National Park.

ICEM (2003). International Center for Environmental Management. National protected areas as they are called in Lao PDR, and nature and wildlife reserves in which no exploiative use are permitted. Lao PDR.

Forestry Strategy (2020), Lao PDR, (2005). The management system of the national protected areas.

MAF & STEA (2004). Forest degradation: Loss of and degradation of forests due to deforestation outside of designated areas degrades soil quality.

Bangs et la, (1998). Knight and Judd, (1979). KWS, (2000). Co-Managing Human Wildlife Conflicts.

MAF & TEA (2004). Major threats, risks and challenges to protected areas in Lao PDR. Lao PDR.

Eidsvik (1990). Classification of protected areas by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

IUCN (2008). Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Use Areas in Protected Areas.

Rao and Geisler, (1990). Human Impact Management in National Protected Areas.

Polet, G. (2003). Co-Management in protected areas management: the case of Cat Tien National part-southen Vietnam. Vietnam.

Nguyen and Tran (2002). Social exchanges and economic benefits from National Protected Areas.

e.g. Attwell and Cotterill (2000), Berkes (2004). The debates on the role of “community” in conservation and the compatibility of conservation and development goals have not been settled.

cf. Elliott (1996). These contestations are partly linked to the tensions between different conservation ideologies or “paradigms”.

Berkes (2004). Conservationists fear that community-based approaches dilute the conservation agenda, whereas proponents of community-based approaches suggest that the failures are due to improper implementation of the concept.

e.g. Wily (2002). Proponents of stronger community involvement in forest control stress that participatory approaches too often see local people just as “beneficiaries” and not as actual decision makers over forest use.

Cohen and Uphoff, (1981). Involvement is the best way to mobilize people to play a role in development, many scholars have explained the meaning of the word participatory in many different ways.

Flint, C. Et la, (2000). Integrating conservation and development.

Shert et al., (2004). also explained: “Integrated management approach” It is a form of joint management between local communities and technical advisors to ensure that within the country people have a significant stake in decision-making and a significant share of the benefits of protected areas.

Shert et al., (2004). In Africa, however, ICDPs have shown that accountability improves, if all communities, including women, are involved in decision-making.

Excerpt from Recommendation 526. Vth. IUCN World Park Congress, (2003). Also explained: “Integrated management approach”.

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Published

2025-06-29