People, s Participation in resolving land problems in Conservation Forest Area, Protected Area Regional Office 9 (Ubon Ratchathani) Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park

Abstract

                       The purpose of this study is to 1) examine how people participate in resolving land issues in the conservation forest area and 2) to investigate best practices for resolving land issues in the conservation forest region of Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park. Through stratified random sampling and selective selection, the samples were 15 key informants and 285 individuals. Questionnaires and interview forms were the research instruments. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and qualitative data analysis by content analysis were the statistics employed for data analysis.

                        The research findings were as follows. 1. Overall, public participation in resolving land issues in conservation forest areas was at a moderate level. 2. The guidelines for problem-solving consisted of: (1) Reducing procedural steps and simplifying the approval process to facilitate local residents and improve their quality of life; (2) Revising regulations and rules concerning applications for land-use permits in occupied areas; (3) Promoting occupational opportunities for farmers; and (4) Areas subject to seizure, arrest, and legal prosecution should be handled with a conciliatory approach; (5) Citizens granted land-use rights should be allowed to transfer possession rights to persons other than their heirs; and (6) Rights certification documents should be issued to citizens so they may use them as collateral for agricultural purposes or for registration with government agencies to receive financial assistance in cases of natural disasters ; (7) Problem-solving efforts should emphasize participation from all stakeholders through mediation; (8) Standardized road width boundaries should be established within national park areas; (9) Areas overlapping with Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) zones should be granted land-use rights; and (10) Officials should develop a better understanding of local communities regarding the collection of forest products in order to prevent the extinction of plants and animals in the area.