Social networks in natural resource governance in a multi-ethnic watershed of Northern Thailand

Abstract

This research aims to explore social dynamics evolving in the ethnically diverse upland society in northern Thailand. Sato has stated that the essence of natural resource management problems lies not in the relations hip between people and resources, but rather in the relationships between people (Sato, 2002). The current research shares this belief, and has thus endeavored to observe the complex systems of inter-group interactions in an ethnically diverse landscape, paying special attention to the delicate balance between conflict and cooperation in natural resource s management. In the research objectives, questions and process that follows, primary attention is on role of the Hmong and their interactions with others in the watershed