Managing wetland forests for conservation and sustainable use : a study of sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) in Khuan Khreng Peat Swamp, Thailand | |
| Author | Nongnuch Lomwong |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.NR-08-15 |
| Subject(s) | Wetland forestry--Thailand--Khuan Khreng Peat Swamp Wetland conservation--Thailand--Khuan Khreng Peat Swamp Sago palms--Thailand--Khuan Khreng Peat Swamp |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. NR-08-15 |
| Abstract | Sago palms (Metroxylon sagu Rottboll) were described as human kind's oldest food plant but often viewed as a poor man's crop. This palm can grow in waterlogged, acidic soils where few other plants survive. However, it is economically acceptable, environmentally friendly, and promotes socially stable agro-forestry systems. Due to the introduction of more profitable crops like rice and oil palm, the areas with sago in Thailand have declined dramatically over the years. This study was conducted with the objectives of analyzing the information of sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottboll) in Khreng sub-district in Khuan Khreng Peat Swamp, Thailand particularly for promoting sustainable use and conservation practice. This study was carried out based on the data collected from forest inventory survey and socio-economic survey from a total sample of 50 households. In addition, focus group discussions and secondary data collection were undertaken to supplement the primary data. The present status of sago palm in the study area was discovered to be the dominant species along riparian forest. The sago seedling was highest in density. In contrast, the tree and sapling of sago palms were rare. This data imply poorness in natural successive regeneration that sago seedlings and saplings have less opportunity to establish and succeed into the next stage of life. The number of size-class in three stages of sago palm showed a reverse-J distribution that implied the need for some measures to improve their survival in order to develop into mature trees and ensure their normal size classes. The result of socio-economic analysis showed that sago palm plays a significant role in the household food security as source of income and in local ecosystem which serves as soil erosion protection along the coastline. Cultural practice, tending and management of sago forest in the study area are based on traditional knowledge. Small-scale sago palms planted per household are taken cared of by occasional thinning, pruning, tending and no fertilization. The findings also emphasized the importance of recognizing community needs and improving the productivity of forests under collective management. There is a need to implement an integrated management plan and the conservation of sago forests in the area. The future prospects for sago palm requires government support about product development and value added products with appropriate management and policy measures to avoid damaging sago forest. |
| Year | 2008 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. NR-08-15 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Schmidt-Vogt, Dietrich; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shrestha, Rajendra Prasad;Gallardo, Wenresti G.;Somsak Boromthanarat; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | RTG Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2008 |