Indigenous Knowledge of Use and Management of Forest Resources of the Thai in Quan Son District, Thanh Hoa Province

Abstract

To manage and protect the forest, Thai ethnic people in Quan Son district have culturally defined several forest classifications, each with regulations including: protected forest, sacred forest, and normal forest. The author also shows Thai are experienced in using the forest resources for both hunting and collection of non-timber products. He points out that the Thai traditional experience includes both positive and negative aspects. If for example traditional knowledge is not applied according to the particular historical conditions, the proper forest use will not be followed; therefore, it is important to classify, select and transmit the valuable knowledge from one generation to another in order to strengthen its value in the modern life. Connecting forest management with rational development of forest resources requires blending socio-economic development, keeping national security in the border areas and protection of ecological environment.