A roadside quote that I've seen since childhood—whenever entering a forest, a national park, or passing by the Forestry Department in the provincial capital—though I never fully understood its purpose, it has stayed with me... But whose life? And how?

Forests are not just natural resources that provide shade, food, and shelter for wildlife. People and communities have coexisted with them for generations. For example, in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, historical evidence of settlements dates back to the establishment of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in 1384 (1927 BE). Before the park's designation, at least four communities had already settled there:
   1) The community in front of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
   2) The community in front of Phuping Palace
   3) The Hmong community in Doi Pui
   4) The Hmong community in Khun Chang Kian

Today, the park and its surrounding areas are home to people of diverse backgrounds, including lowland Thais (Khon Muang) and highland ethnic groups such as the Hmong, Lisu, and Karen. In total, over 62 villages are located within and around the park boundaries.

The Significance of Doi Suthep-Pui Forest

The Doi Suthep-Pui forest is a vital resource for communities in multiple dimensions: cultural, economic, social, and environmental.

Cultural Importance
Doi Suthep is a spiritual and cultural symbol of Chiang Mai. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is revered as the sacred temple of the province. The mountain also represents Buddhist teachings, with temple names along the route reflecting stages of spiritual enlightenment:
   • Wat Si Soda (Stream-Enterer)
   • Wat Sakithakha (Once-Returner)
   • Wat Anagami (Non-Returner)
   • Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Arahant)

The area is also tied to folklore, such as the tragic love story of King Virangka of Hariphunchai and Queen Chamadevi, reflected in place names like Kiw Maeow Pliew (Windy Cat Pass), Pha Klong (Drum Cliff), and Mon Long (Wanderer's Hill). Additionally, spiritual traditions persist, including the annual Pu Sae-Ya Sae spirit worship ceremony and the sacred Dong Seng forest, revered by the Hmong of Mae Sa Mai and Mae Sa Noi villages.

Economic Significance
The forest provides timber, medicinal herbs, and edible plants, which locals use for food, medicine, and trade. Additionally, it serves as an ecotourism destination, generating income through popular attractions like Mon Jam and riverside cafés along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route.

Environmental Contributions
The forest helps maintain humidity, prevent landslides, and absorb carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change impacts.

Challenges and Sustainable Coexistence

Historically, people and forests coexisted harmoniously, with communities using resources responsibly and applying local wisdom to conservation. However, increasing demands and socio-economic changes have led to deforestation and overexploitation of resources. The key question now is: How can people, communities, and forests coexist sustainably?

The relationship between communities and forests faces numerous challenges:
   • Encroachment for agricultural expansion
   • Economic pressures leading some communities to exploit forests for profit rather than conservation
   • Policies and regulations that limit community involvement in forest management

Solutions for Sustainable Forest Management

A proven approach is Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM), which empowers communities to care for forests while using them sustainably. Community forests allow locals to benefit from forest resources without harming the ecosystem.

Economic incentives, such as the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) system, also encourage conservation by compensating communities for maintaining environmental services.

Education and youth involvement are crucial—raising awareness among younger generations about the value of forests ensures long-term conservation.

Achieving sustainable coexistence requires a balanced approach between utilization and conservation. Empowering communities in forest management, applying economic mechanisms, and providing education to all stakeholders are essential steps toward preserving forests.

Ultimately, forests are not just resources—they are life itself, sustaining all beings that share this world.