Promoting Forest Resource Conservation at Local Scale: A Case Study of U Thong District, Suphan Buri Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study the basic socio-economic characteristics of
local people in the communities adjacent to forest areas in U Thong district, Suphan Buri province,
to determine factors influencing forest resource conservation intention of the local people and to
study on the opinion of community leaders toward forest resource conservation promotion in the
study area. Data were collected by using questionnaire and in-depth interview and were analyzed
by descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis and content analysis. It
was found that the local people have potential in forest resource conservation participation. Value
toward forest resources and attitudes toward forest resource conservation of the local people were
factors influencing their conservation intention. Forest resource conservation in the study area
should be promoted through knowledge extension to maintain positive value and attitude toward
forest resource conservation among local people in the area. Young people should be the target
group for conservation promotion. While threats to forest area at the local scale such as stone
explosion concession in national reserved forests, livestock grazing and invasive plant species
should be controlled and removed.