The Buddharaksa Community Forest Project: The First Community Forest in Sikhio District

The Buddharaksa Community Forest Project, located in Nong Nam Sai Subdistrict, Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, is the first community forest in the district established under the legal framework. A formal policy statement was presented to the Provincial Community Forest Committee before being submitted to the Royal Forest Department for approval. Area FPT 59, which had already been allocated, was utilized for the establishment of the community forest, along with the process of seeking approval for partial use of the land for religious purposes in accordance with the 2021 Cabinet Resolution. Covering 2,189 rai, the area encompasses diverse ecosystems with native tree species, economic plants and wildlife serving as ecological indicators. In addition, five temples are located within the project area, representing a model of integration between religious institutions and natural conservation. The project highlights the balance between environmental conservation and community use, embodying the Baworn framework (Home–Temple–School–Government) as a foundation for building moral communities in a sustainable way.