Contributing and Restraining Factors to Collaborative Process for Sustainable Management of Thung Bank Nok Ohk Forest in Lower Songkhla Lake Basin

Abstract

The objective of this action research was to find out the factors that can support and what factors are problems in the collaborative process of the model of Thung Bank Nok Ohk melaleuca forest management using companion modelling approach (ComMod). The stakeholders include the community, the state, and outside organizations such as those affiliated to the Royal Forest Department (overseeing forest fires and community management), local administration organizations, schools, and universities. A number of approximately 200 informants and participants were involved in the following three main work processes: 1) investigation of the melaleuca forest community and the relationship between community and the forest using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as surveys; 2) joint operation in thinking and deciding to find out a management model acceptable to all parties using the role playing game (RPG) tool twice and three workshops; and 3) implementation according to the suggestions leading to concrete practices and upgrading them to local policies through eight operations. The results showed that the factors contributing to the process vary, namely: person, the processes, tools, work strategies. Such as role playing games - tools that make stakeholders share knowledge, learn and understand each other's role, working on a win-win strategy, a concrete practice, a concrete practice - strategy that facilitates to build trust between researcher and stakeholders, the villagers. In addition, mutual trust between stakeholders is another important factor in the process. The factors that hinder related persons, instruments and policies or laws related to forestry.