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Drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in three villages in the Dongsithuane's National Production Forest (DNPF), Savannakhet province, Laos
Dissertation Abstract:
The study aims to investigate the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in three Sub Forest Management Groups (SFMGs) at the DNPF area, assessing land cover change trends between 2010 and 2015, and analyzing stakeholder forest management and forest products utilization practices. The research used primary and sources of secondary data from interviews with 229 households and focus group discussion (FGD), as well as GIS software to assess trends in land cover change.
The study on forest management practices shows low community participation across all stages-planning, implementation, and monitoring. In Heentangkhoak, 24.7% of residents never engage in planning, 40.7% in implementation, and 38.3% in monitoring. Nasanoh shows similar trends, with 24.1% never participating in planning, 33.3% in implementation, and 31.5% in monitoring. Nongkun records the lowest engagement, with 33.3% never participating in planning, 49% in implementation, and 45.8% in monitoring. These findings indicate a disconnect between forest management activities and community involvement. The study also highlights the rich diversity and economic significance of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the DNPF area, with 28, 24, and 27 species documented across the villages. Notable species included Curcuma sessilis, Amanita princes, and Melientha acuminata are particularly prominent, reflecting their vital role in local livelihoods. The consistent variety and significant quantities of NTFPs emphasize the potential for sustainable forest management to support community livelihoods, preserve biodiversity, and enhance economic resilience. From 2010 to 2015, substantial land cover changes occurred in the DNPF, with 7,707 ha of agricultural land converted to mixed deciduous forest, 64,956 ha of evergreen forest shifted to mixed deciduous forest, and 2,448 ha of evergreen forest converted to agriculture. These changes, driven by commercial logging, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development, highlight the critical issue of deforestation and forest degradation in the region. Regression analysis identifies forest distance, income, household size, and age as key factors influencing deforestation and forest degradation. Greater forest distance appears to reduce these phenomena, while higher income and larger household size increase the likelihood of forest degradation. The Theory of Change (TOC) model emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating government policies, climate strategies, and sustainable practices with efforts to improve local livelihoods and reduce resource exploitation. The TOC model advocates for multi-stakeholder cooperation and comprehensive policies to drive meaningful change in forest conservation.