NATIONAL-PARKS AND HILL TRIBES IN NORTHERN THAILAND - A CASE-STUDY OFDOI-INTHANON

Erosion of biodiversity is of global concern. Habitat destruction is t he main cause. Many governments have established national park systems to try to protect habitat. National parks have traditionally excluded human settlements and extractive uses, often creating problems for lo cal communities This has resulted in support for human occupancy of pa rks, particularly by indigenous peoples. However, indigenous peoples c an also have a significant impact on local ecosystems. Thus, a more re fined management response is called for, based on assessment of ecosys tem impacts and sensitive to local cultural characteristics. A first s tep is to assess the nature of the interaction between the local peopl es and the park. This approach is taken with reference to Doi Inthanon National Park in Northern Thailand. Different ethnic groups have diff erent impacts and therefore warrant different management responses. So me 40% of the park area has been encroached upon. The situation is fur ther complicated because of a development program that has goals that are in conflict with those of the park. Data on use of park resources by local populations reveals an inverse relationship between use and d istance from the park. Possible management strategies are suggested.