Strategies of Development for Cooperation and Participation in Integrating Forest Fire Smog Resolution Through Selective Burning in Tambon Tung Pi, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This research is a qualitative study with the objectives to: 1) analyze the strategic goals for fostering collaboration, 2) analyze the formulation of appropriate strategies, and 3) analyze the implementation of those strategies in practice. The study employed a participatory action research methodology. The primary informants included community leaders, representatives from organizations/agencies, and local residents, totaling 50 participants. Data collection was conducted through various methods, including document analysis, field surveys, observations, interviews, focus group discussions, and knowledge exchange forums. The collected data were analyzed and synthesized based on the research questions, and the findings were presented in descriptive form.

The study found that: 1) The strategy to address forest fire and haze problems employed controlled burning integrated with other methods through collaboration among the government, private sector, and the public. The number of controlled burning points was reduced from 40–50 in 2019 to 2–3 in 2023. The management process was divided into three phases: pre-incident, during the incident, and post-incident, with a strong emphasis on planning and effective coordination. This approach significantly mitigated impacts and contributed to the sustainable resolution of the problem. 2) The strategic analysis of using controlled burning to address haze and forest fires revealed a three-phase management process (before, during, and after incidents) and three key strategies: (1) fostering collaboration among government, private sector, and civil society, (2) formulating action plans by local organizations, and (3) using controlled burning as the main preventive measure through multi-sectoral planning and area management. These strategies have proven effective in sustainably addressing the issues and are adaptable to other areas. 3) The development of strategies to tackle haze and forest fires emphasized joint action planning among all sectors, integration of local resources, community education and awareness, proactive measures to prevent fire spread through controlled burning, as well as monitoring and evaluation for continuous improvement. This approach enhanced collaboration and public participation, promoting sustainable solutions that can be replicated in other regions in the future.