A Special Lecture at Gandhian and Peace Studies, PU

Korel, Chandigarh, December 26, 2019

The Department of Gandhian and Peace Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh in collaboration with the UNESCO Network Chair organized one special lecture of Prof. Somchai Thamuitiwat, School of Law, Mae Fah Laung University, 333 Moo I Phahoyothin Rd., Thasud, Mung District, Chaing Rai, Thailand, at Department of Gandhian and Peace Studies, here today.

Dr. Manish Sharma, Chairperson introduced the invited guest and about the topic “Direction of Thailand’s Implementation of Its Forest Policy: A Case Study of India’s Joint Forest Management”. Prof. Somchai talked about the Thailand’s legal and operational problems in relation to its forest policy implementation and socio-economic impacts of this problem. Due to the more emphasis on the tourism industry in Thailand, the green areas of Thailand are narrowing down but now the scenario is changing. He also talked about the India’s 1988 national forest policy which was implemented through the joint forest management (JFM) programme with a focus on factors contributing to the successful increase in forest areas in New Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand. He also emphasized about the new kind of innovative steps taken in both the countries to increase the forest areas. He also talked about the role of satellites which are helping in finding the dark/empty places which requires urgent attention. The present presentation is the collection of data from both countries and of two years instance research and project was funded by ICSSR, New Delhi.

In the end Prof. Somachai also distributed cloth bags also which he has bring from Thailand to promote the eco friendly environment. The event was attended by large number of faculty members from other department including Ms. Mint from Thailand, Prof. M. L. Sharma, MPhil and PhD Students.