Since 2018, the Natural Resources Management (NRM) program, housed within the Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS), School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), has fostered a deep collaborative relationship with the Ban Tha Wang Sai Community Forest. This enduring partnership has been instrumental in various endeavors, including resource assessment, field research, and local development initiatives.
A pivotal aspect of NRM’s collaboration with the Ban Tha Wang Sai Community Forest is the measurement of carbon stocks and involvement in REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). NRM students and researchers have been actively involved in quantifying carbon stocks within the forest, contributing to our understanding of carbon sequestration and the critical role that forests play in mitigating climate change. Furthermore, the program’s engagement in REDD+ initiatives underscores its commitment to sustainable forest management and the pursuit of carbon credits, creating economic opportunities for the local community while preserving invaluable forest resources.
Although the COVID-19 outbreak temporarily disrupted field trips in 2020 and 2021, the NRM program resumed its regular visits to the Ban Tha Wang Sai Community Forest in 2022. This resumption reaffirms the program’s dedication to hands-on learning, community involvement, and the pursuit of knowledge that can drive positive change.
The NRM program’s collaboration with the Ban Tha Wang Sai Community Forest exemplifies a multifaceted approach to community engagement. Beyond resource assessment and carbon stocks measurement, it extends to broader objectives of biodiversity conversation of plant species under threat (Afzelia xylocarpa), local development, environmental stewardship, and the empowerment of the community to actively participate in the sustainable management of their natural resources. This ongoing partnership stands as a testament to NRM’s commitment to fostering sustainable practices, community resilience, and holistic education that transcends the classroom, making a meaningful impact on the environment and society.
Plot Setup and Tree Measurement
Every semester, NRM students, staff, and faculties visit the Ban Tha Wang Sai Community Forest to assess the forest resources through direct tree measurement, biodiversity measurement, and discussions with local community members. We also measure carbon stocks, REDD+
Empowering Climate Action through Carbon Measurement: NRM’s Collaboration with Ban Tha Wang Sai Community Forest
Integration with Climate Action Plan: Within the framework of its comprehensive Climate Action Plan, the Natural Resources Management (NRM) program at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has strategically incorporated carbon measurement initiatives conducted in collaboration with Ban Tha Wang Sai Community Forest. This plan transcends the academic sphere and actively involves local government bodies and community groups.
Shared Climate Goals: NRM’s carbon measurement endeavors closely align with the shared climate objectives outlined in the Climate Action Plan. Through meticulous measurement of forest carbon stocks, NRM contributes vital data that informs climate change mitigation strategies at local and regional levels. This data forms the bedrock for assessing the community forest’s role in offsetting carbon emissions and devising strategies to enhance its carbon sequestration potential.
Collaboration with Local Stakeholders: NRM’s commitment to carbon measurement extends to fostering collaborative partnerships with local government entities and the Ban Tha Wang Sai community. This partnership ensures that the information gleaned from carbon measurement studies is shared proactively with local authorities and empowers community members to participate in climate-resilient practices.
Empowering Local Engagement: NRM’s approach goes beyond measurement, actively involving the local community. By sharing insights gained through carbon measurement with community members, NRM empowers them with knowledge about the forest’s contribution to climate action. This shared understanding fosters a sense of collective responsibility and encourages community-driven efforts to bolster the community forest’s role in climate change mitigation.
In essence, NRM’s collaboration with Ban Tha Wang Sai Community Forest exemplifies an integrated approach to carbon measurement that harmonizes with the broader objectives of a Climate Action Plan. This approach is characterized by collaboration, information sharing, and active engagement with local government and the community. By bridging academic research with actionable climate strategies, NRM plays a vital role in the collective endeavor to combat climate change while actively involving the Ban Tha Wang Sai community in this critical mission.
