Abstract This paper aims at exploring the local background
of and solutions to the forest conflict in upland
areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, who are called hill
tribes, in northern Thailand. A so-called hill tribe problem
has been officially identified as a result of the slash-andburn
cultivation and other perceived problems, such as
opium poppy cultivation, illegal immigration, and the
suspicion of disloyalty to the state. This has created distrust
and tension between the groups and authorities. The local
conflict has recently been related to the dilemma of conserving
the forest from all human interference, while many
people live and make their livelihood within and adjacent
to the protected areas. Furthermore, as the results imply,
strictly protected areas and reforestation have also
increased the competition over land and natural resources
and, thereby, the likelihood of local conflicts. The scarcity
and pollution of water, illegal logging, and poor fire control
have contributed to the conflicts between local communities.
The conflicts between the local communities and
officials have been nourished by political and public discussions.
Using definitions and terms with negative
connotations and ignoring the heterogeneity between the
groups or labeling some groups as malevolent have
increased distrust and strengthened existing stereotypical
images. Conflict resolution starts with efforts toward better
mutual understanding, and changes in structures and attitudes
are necessary. Local cooperation, utilization of
traditional methods, and local institutions are central to
conflict solving.
Abstract This paper aims at exploring the local backgroundof and solutions to the forest conflict in uplandareas inhabited by ethnic minorities, who are called hilltribes, in northern Thailand. A so-called hill tribe problemhas been officially identified as a result of the slash-andburncultivation and other perceived problems, such asopium poppy cultivation, illegal immigration, and thesuspicion of disloyalty to the state. This has created distrustand tension between the groups and authorities. The localconflict has recently been related to the dilemma of conservingthe forest from all human interference, while manypeople live and make their livelihood within and adjacentto the protected areas. Furthermore, as the results imply,strictly protected areas and reforestation have alsoincreased the competition over land and natural resourcesand, thereby, the likelihood of local conflicts. The scarcityand pollution of water, illegal logging, and poor fire controlhave contributed to the conflicts between local communities.The conflicts between the local communities andofficials have been nourished by political and public discussions.Using definitions and terms with negativeconnotations and ignoring the heterogeneity between thegroups or labeling some groups as malevolent haveincreased distrust and strengthened existing stereotypicalimages. Conflict resolution starts with efforts toward bettermutual understanding, and changes in structures and attitudesare necessary. Local cooperation, utilization oftraditional methods, and local institutions are central toconflict solving.
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