Buddharaksa Community Forest Project: Integrating Environmental Conservation with Ethical Development in Local Buddhist Communities

The Buddharaksa Community Forest Project is an integrated initiative aiming to conserve natural resources while fostering moral development in local communities through the application of Buddhist principles. Founded and led by Professor Dr. Lunchanawat Nimmahnratanakul, the project operates under the guidance of the Sunday Buddhist Study Center (SBSC) and the Moral Dissemination Unit for Buddhism (MDUB), with support from the Department of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Thailand. Situated in Nong Nam Sai Subdistrict, Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, the forest spans approximately 2,189 rai and forms part of the Dong Phayayen protected ecosystem. The project promotes participatory forest management in line with the Community Forest Act B.E. 2562 (2019) and emphasizes the “Baworn” (Monk–Home–School/Government) model as a sustainable moral framework for community empowerment. By integrating ecological restoration with ethical education, the project serves as a model for how spiritual values can harmonize with environmental stewardship to strengthen local resilience and cultural identity.