May 24 National Community Forest Day: Campaign to Raise Awareness and Conserve Forests
Thailand celebrates National Community Forest Day on May 24 to promote conservation and raise awareness of over 12,000 community forests that support 5 million households across the country.
May 24 is designated annually as National Community Forest Day to encourage all sectors to recognize the importance of community forests as vital resources that support people's livelihoods in economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
Community forests form the foundation of Thai culture and way of life in many regions, while playing a crucial role in conserving natural resources for sustainability and balance. They also serve as significant carbon storage areas that help mitigate climate change impacts. Additionally, community forests generate income through forest resources, ecological tourism, and preservation of local wisdom, strengthening communities.
Currently, the Royal Forest Department has established over 12,000 community forests under the Community Forest Act B.E. 2562 across all regions, covering approximately 7 million rai and benefiting more than 5 million households.
This event aims to express gratitude to the Thai monarchy for promoting and developing forest resources, enabling people to coexist with forests and benefit from resources according to the sufficiency economy philosophy. It also raises awareness about the Community Forest Act B.E. 2562 and encourages communities to exchange knowledge on local wisdom and culture for economic value creation and income generation.
The event theme "Community Forest Based Wellness: Community Forest Creates Happiness, Income, and Future" emphasizes how community forests serve as resource bases that create well-being, economic benefits, and future prospects for the nation.
The Forest Department invites all community forest networks, organizations, and the public to participate in campaigns and activities such as social media promotion, tree planting, forest maintenance, water retention dam construction, forest patrols, and firebreak establishment on this day.
The objective is to build awareness of community forests as water sources, food supplies, habitats, and cultural heritage, while continuing the royal initiative to promote sustainable forest development for future generations.
