The True Value of Forests: insights from Southeast Asia
In the Nan province of Thailand, about 60 participants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam gathered for a transformative dialogue on the forests of Southeast Asia. As part of the global Wyss Academy Dialogues series, this event uncovered the deep cultural, spiritual, and practical significance of forests to local communities in the region.
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In a recent dialogue held in late May 2024, nearly 60 participants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam gathered in Nan province, Thailand, to discuss the significance of forests in Southeast Asia. This event, part of the global Wyss Academy Dialogues series, provided a platform for diverse perspectives on the true value of forests. Here are the key takeaways from the dialogue:
Forests are integral to cultural heritage
Participants consistently described forests in deeply personal terms, referring to them as their “mother,” “provider,” “bank,” and “supermarket.” This language highlights how forests are woven into the cultural and daily lives of local communities. They are not merely sources of resources but are integral to cultural heritage and spiritual practices. There exists a profound connection between people and forests, emphasising that conservation efforts must respect and incorporate these cultural values.
Support from government and community is essential
A significant insight from the dialogue was the necessity for strong support from both government and local communities for effective forest protection. Participants stressed that while communities and NGOs play crucial roles in conservation and sustainable management, government backing is essential to scale these efforts and ensure their long-term success. There is a call for policies that align with community needs and priorities.
“Forest is life. Without it, we cannot live. In Nan, our beliefs and culture are close to nature. We pay respect to the forest and the river.” - Boonlerm Sirimoon, local farmer, Trees4All project
Our roles are interconnected
- Researchers: They provide valuable insights into forest ecosystems but face challenges in translating scientific findings into practical strategies that benefit both the environment and local communities.
- Business investors: While often driven by economic interests, investors have the potential to contribute to sustainable development. The challenge lies in balancing economic growth with ecological preservation to avoid exploitation.
Vision for the future of forests
Participants from each country shared their vision for the future of forests:
- Cambodia: Envisioned strong community involvement and global support for reforestation efforts.
- Lao PDR: Focused on effective forest management to increase forest cover while generating economic benefits.
- Thailand: Envisioned an integrated forest management system that balances the needs of rural and urban areas.
- Vietnam: Imagined forests at the heart of ecotourism, with improved management creating diversified income sources for local communities.
Across the region, there was a strong call for transboundary collaboration and the use of technology to monitor and manage forest landscapes. The importance of cooperation among all stakeholders—local communities, governments, NGOs, and researchers—was a recurring theme.
The Southeast Asia dialogues concluded that forests are living, complex systems essential for both human and non-human life. There is a need to build a collective path forward, integrate efforts and share stories that reflect the deep value of forests. The insights gained from these dialogues will inform future discussions and strategies for preserving the true value of forests in the region and beyond.
The Dialogues on the True Value of Forests are organised by the Wyss Academy for Nature in collaboration with the Impact Hub Network.
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