The role of indigenous knowledge and practices in forest conservation and natural resources management in Putao, Kachin State, Myanmar | |
| Author | Bawk La |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.NR-24-03 |
| Subject(s) | Forest conservation--Burma Natural resources--Burma--Kachin State--Management Ethnoscience |
| Note | A thesis submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | The indigenous knowledge and practices are pivotal in sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity conservation. However, the specific ways in which indigenous knowledge and practices have been used, the impact of IK on livelihood, and current livelihood challenges and opportunities, and the role of stakeholders in Putao are not well-understood. Therefore, the objectives of the study are to investigates the utilization of indigenous knowledge by indigenous people and local communities in forest conservation and natural resource use in Putao's protected areas, evaluating its effects on livelihoods, and examining the roles of governments, NGOs, and indigenous groups in these processes. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study collected data through a household survey of 194 respondents, seven key informant interviews, and two focus group discussions, utilizing methods such as descriptive statistics, weighted average index, narrative analysis, regression analysis, and situational analysis. The findings indicate that indigenous practices like shifting cultivation, agroforestry, and community-based forest management are vital for enhancing biodiversity and the sustainable management of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). However, significant challenges such as deforestation, resource degradation, and environmental threats like climate change adversely impact these traditional practices. Although IK contributes positively to sectors like agriculture and ecotourism, it does not significantly affect the overall annual income of families. The research also points to a limited effectiveness of government and NGO interventions in leveraging IK for livelihood improvement, with a noted skepticism among the community towards these efforts. To enhance the livelihoods of communities in Putao Township effectively, the study recommends policies that integrate and protect IK practices, support community-led conservation initiatives, implement targeted economic programs in sectors like ecotourism and agriculture, improve stakeholder coordination, and develop culturally sensitive educational and skill development programs. Future research should focus on integrating IK with scientific conservation methods, exploring participatory governance, assessing the impacts of conservation policies on livelihoods, enhancing forest conservation through technological tools like GIS, and analyzing the dynamics of multi-stakeholder collaboration with an emphasis on conflict resolution strategies. |
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Tsusaka, Takuji W.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shrestha, Rajendra Prasad;Pramanik, Malay; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Kurita Water and Environment Foundation, Japan;AIT Scholarships; |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2024 |