Authors : Ladda Hongsuraphong, Phra Sumaeteesuthaporn and Subunn Ieamvijarn
Abstract: The appropriate model of rehabilitation and conservation of cultural forest by community participation in forest temples focuses on developing and constructing cultural forests within the temples to be public areas that the community can fully utilize and in accordance to the way of life of Thai Buddhists. The concept of Baworn (house, temple, school) is applied to the conservation and development of forests in forest temples by dividing the area of the temple into three areas called Buddhawat (temple), Dharmawa (tower school) and Sangkawat (Monk’s house). Each of the three zones are divided into 6 areas, which include Sehnahsana (temple grounds), Afforestation area, reservoir, parking lot, public parks or gardens and roads. The trees and vegetation to be planted are selected to those that are suitable to the local climate, terrain and appropriate to the benefits in each of the three zones. Afforestation sustain ability in forest temples requires cooperation from all sectors in the community, including clergy people and government sectors.
Ladda Hongsuraphong, Phra Sumaeteesuthaporn and Subunn Ieamvijarn, 2009. An Appropriate Model of Conservation Revival and Develop the Cultural Forest of Temples in Northeastern Thailand by Community Participation. The Social Sciences, 4: 428-433.