A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1999

Although Laos has the largest proportion of remaining natural forest in the region, a protected areas management program is still at the planning stage. Because of the lack of reliable information on biological diversity and inadequate information about local people's interest, socio-economic condition and existing environmental condition in the proposal of the protected areas, this lead to difficulties in the process of preparation and implementation of Protected Area Management Plans. This study specifically compares the level of local resource use patterns and practices among three different villages classified by ethnicity (Lao Loum, Lao Soung and Lao Theung). The study also mainly focuses on endangered species of wildlife, endemic tree species and some important non timber forest product. In addition, the study also focuses on socio-economic conditions and forest and agricultural land utilization within the studied villages. The study finds that the level of understanding of three-village ethnic groups are similar, due to their close interaction with natural forests for their livelihoods. Generally, men have better knowledge on wildlife status and tree species. Women specialize on non-timber forest products as their basic needs in terms of food and cash income. Based on villager's reports concerning forest and wildlife status; the study reveals that most villagers depend heavily on the natural resources base in which hunting, and gathering of non-timber forest products are commonly practiced. Finally, the study finds that the three villages tend to have similar conditions. Education and health facilities are poor. The first village (Ban Na Vene) where the majority occupy lowland area or practice paddy field cultivation, is considered as a pe1manent agricultural area. The second village (Ban Na Ngeune) and the third village (Ban Na Samphanh) are considered as minority groups occupying upland and highland and having skill in practicing shifting cultivation or temporary occupation. Their rice production is still far from sufficient for the majority of the households, and villagers need to exert diverse pressures on the forests which results in severe natural resources degradation in the area.