From Imperata Grass Forest” to community forest: the case of Pakhasukjai”

An account of the practices followed by a group of Loi Mi Akha families who fled the troubled Thai-Burma [Myanmar] border to a more settled life in Chiangrai Province, Thailand. When the Akha arrived in Pakhasukjai in 1976, the area (formerly evergreen forest, cleared for agriculture) was mainly Imperata cylindrica and bamboo succession, with small forest patches and scattered large trees. Fire swept through the grass every year so there was little opportunity for tree regeneration. The Akha were traditionally shifting cultivators aware of the practices normally followed to encourage natural regeneration, and also used forest for a number of other purposes. In Thailand, they designated mountain top and ridge land around the village for community forest, and implemented practices for its regeneration which included no farming/grazing, no tree cutting for fuel, no fuelwood selling, and protection from fire (by clearing firebreaks). The rules and organization for these are described. Now, the community forest covers 579 ha, with about half of the tree species present those in the original primary forest, and the rest secondary species. Current usage, issues and management are discussed. In 1986 government and non-governmental agencies extended their activities to the area, and community and agricultural development work and education began. Tree planting is carried out (encouraged by the Royal Forestry Department and the hill Area Development Foundation (HADF) a Thai NGO), including the planting of multipurpose trees around houses, orchard planting and the development of agroforestry systems, although forest conservation and the transition from shifting cultivation to a settled agricultural community began before these agencies arrived. Land use planning and ownership issues are discussed - the Akha are negotiating for land rights and citizenship.