Integrated Local Knowledge in Implementing Forest Allocation Policy in Central Vietnam: Potential Use of Local Indicators in Forest Monitoring

Abstract

"This paper tries to explore how local people define their forest by using indicators species and potential use of these findings integrated in forest allocation process. At first, a list of all plant species that have potential use as indicators is recorded through individual interview and group discussion. This list is then re-arranged in general forest categories according to local definition. Following step is forest survey by plots which are selected randomly from allocated forest within two communes. At each plot, information about list of these aforementioned species is recorded in corresponding with local categories. Finally, comparison between forest categorization by local system and by government system is made to find out similarities and differences. Findings from this analysis are then used to propose more local-oriented participation in forest allocation policy."