Participation biodiversity assessment of protected areas : a case study of Dong Phou Vieng Protected Area, Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR | |
| Author | Sysongkham Mahathirath |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.SR-98-08 |
| Subject(s) | Biodiversity conservation--Laos--Savannakhet Natural areas--Laos--Savannakhet Biodiversity conservation--Laos--Savannakhet Natural areas--Laos--Savannakhet |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Lao PDR started to develop a protected areas system in 1993 where 18 forest areas were established immediately as National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCAs) in that moment, two additional NBCAs were added after 1995. Although Lao PDR has the largest proportion of remaining natural forest in the region, a protected areas program is still at the planning stage. Because of the lack of reliable information on biological diversity and the socio-economic situation of local people in the proposal of the protected areas, there have been many difficulties in the process of preparation and implementation of protected area management plans. This study specifically compares the level of understanding of indigenous ecological knowledge among different groups of villagers classified by ethnicity (Lao Loum and Lao Theung), Sex (men and women), and age (old and young). In addition, the study also focuses on socio-ecoilomic conditions and forest utilization within the studied villages. The study finds that the level understanding of both studied ethnic groups are similar, due to their close relationship with natural forest for their livelihoods. Furthermore, men have more knowledge on wildlife status and tree species while women specialize on non-timber forest products as their basic needs in terms of food and cash income. The study also finds that older groups have more knowledge on extinct species and history backgrounds of their communities while younger groups understand more on existing species. Based on villager reports concerning forest and wildlife status, the study finds that most villagers heavily depend on the natural resource base in which hunting, and gathering of non-timber forest products, are commonly practiced. Finally, the study finds that the four studied villages tend to have similar conditions. Education and health facilities are minimal. Their rice production is still far from sufficient for the majority of the households, and villagers need to exert diverse pressures on the forests which results in severe natural resource degradation in this area as well. |
| Year | 1998 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Space Technology Application and Research (SR) |
| Chairperson(s) | Apisit Eiumnoh;Apisit Eiumnoh; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Darunee Tantiwiramanond; Mather, Robert; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Sida/Mekong ; |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1998 |