Community Forest Network Management: A Case Study of Khao Wong Community Forest, Wang Ta Khe Subdistrict, Nong Bua Rawae District, Chaiyaphum Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research are as follows: (1) to study the management processes of the Khao Wong Community Forest Network; (2) to study the effectiveness of the operations of the Khao Wong Community Forest Network; and (3) to study the conditions for success in managing the Khao Wong Community Forest Network. The documents used for data collection and analysis included document analysis and in-depth interviews. The main informants were groups of community network members from the communities surrounding the Khao Wong Community Forest boundary, including leaders from all five villages, groups of personnel from local administrative organizations, including personnel from the Wang Ta khe Subdistrict Administrative Organization and groups of staff from central government organizations, including staff from the Department of Forestry, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, as well as from educational institutions. The study found that the management of the Khao Wong Community Forest Network involves activities carried out by various stakeholder groups, including community leaders, local leaders, and governmental organizations, all of which played roles in network management. This horizontal relationship structure aligns the working organization according to the capacities of the stakeholders and the context of the area. It emphasized the participation of all sectors of society in the form of spatial and thematic networks. The cooperation that occurs includes activities such as forest maintenance, wildfire prevention, and public relations. These activities are facilitated through resource exchange and mutual support. A common set of goals is established, a crucial condition for successful network operations. Regarding the effectiveness of the network management: (1) a learning process was developed; (2) opportunities for problem-solving increased; (3) local resource management was achieved; and (4) policy advocacy processes were initiated. Additionally, the factors contributing to the success of the network management include: (1) the unity of the members of the Khao Wong Community Forest from five communities; (2) support and coordination from local administrative organizations; (3) and promotion and advisory services from governmental organizations.