Political Ecology of Forests
Ethnic People and Natural Resources -- Anthropology/Ecology

FALL AND SPRING SEMESTER

Academic Focus

This course explores the ethno-ecological relationship between humans and forests. Most of the course will be conducted in upland forest-dwelling communities in the extreme northwest corner of Thailand, the domain of Karen ethnic people and forested mountains from which they derive their existence. Tropical forest ecology, the Karen adaptation to this environment, and the conflicts over forest resource management form the thematic backbone of the course. By living, farming, interacting, and traveling through the forests with the Karen, students will learn first hand how the Karen livelihood is intertwined with their forest world.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of the key issues in forest political ecology
• Understanding the peoples' socio-economic as well as cultural adaptations within forest ecosystems
• Understanding of the social dynamics related to upland rotational agriculture of the Karen
• Knowledge of significant plants used in rotational plots and significant forest products used
• Ability to successfully carry out basic ethnographic studies of Karen ethnic people and their cultural adaptation to the rapid changes in Thai society
• Ability to implement forest survey methods related to both ecosystem and local knowledge of forests
• Proficiency with the tools of field research, including using a GPS during forest and village surveys, ability to carry out basic socioeconomic surveys in Thai, etc.
• Understanding of the alternative forest classification and management systems established for each particular socio-ecological context
• Knowledge of the barriers related to creating sustainable communities and people's movements
• Understanding of the struggle for the recognition of local rights to manage community forests
• Demonstrate proficiency in backcountry travel in mountain and jungle environments, including river crossings and appropriate travel on steep terrain

Experiential Field Study Components

Forest survey, swidden farming studies, working with local (tribal) informants on trees and plant identification, geographic surveys of land use patterns, local livelihood (weaving, etc.).

Living situation

Homestays in villages with Karen (Bak'en'yaw) ethnic host families.

Modes of travel

Fly/bus/van to site, extensive multi-day backpacking (VERY rugged terrain) between villages, extensive hiking while in the villages (to upland fields, etc.). Backpacking and hiking will include multiple river crossings, with 6-9 hour days of travel on foot common.

Location(s)

Upland Karen villages in Mae Hong Son province.