THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN URBAN FOREST DEVELOPMENT IN MUEANG DISTRICT, UBON RATCHATHANI PROVINCE

Abstract

This article is taken from a doctoral dissertation on the role of civil society in urban forest development: A Case Study of the Development of the Civil Society Sector in Relation to Dong Fahuan Forest, Ubon Ratchathani Province aims to: (1) study the context and development of civil society; (2) examine the effects of personal factors, private social capital, and public social capital on the role of civil society; and (3) investigate the impact of government operations on the role of civil society. The research results found that communities surrounding Dong Fa Huan Forest have long depended on the forest for benefits, particularly as a source of medicinal herbs and diverse food resources available throughout all seasons. Conflicts between local communities and Dong Fa Huan Forest began when the National Reserved Forest Act was enforced more strictly. Some officials adopted rigid and inappropriate enforcement methods. The people living around Dong Fa Huan Forest are closely connected through kinship networks, share the same ancestral spirit forest (Don Pu Ta), and use the same temple. These shared social and cultural ties fostered a collective sense of concern, leading them to submit proposals for the development of Dong Fa Huan Forest. Regarding personal factors, differences in gender, educational level, and occupation did not significantly affect the role of civil society. However, differences in age and annual income did have a significant effect on the role of civil society. Private social capital factors included knowledge of medicinal herbs and knowledge of natural food resources. Public social capital factors included the influence of respected community elders. Government operational factors included responsiveness to villagers' proposals and conflicts with local communities, both of which affected the role of civil society.

Keywords: Civil Society