Courses in Political Ecology of Forests: People and Natural Resources

This course explores the ethnoecological relationship between humans and forests.

Most of the course will be conducted within villages in the extreme northwest corner of Thailand, nestled among mountains that have long since been the domain of Karen ethnic people. 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 travelling through the forests with villagers, students will learn firsthand how the Karen livelihood is intertwined with their forest world.

Learning Outcomes: Understanding of the key issues in forest political ecology; Understanding the peoples’ socioeconomic 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 abasic 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 field research tools, including using a GPS during forest and village surveys, the 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