A STUDY OF THE FOREST ORDINATION RITUAL IN NORTHERN THAILAND: INNOVATION OF BELIEFS FOR CONSERVATION

Abstract

This academic article aims to study the forest ordination ritual of communities in northern Thailand, viewing it as an innovation of beliefs that combines Buddhism, traditional beliefs, and modern concepts of nature conservation. Qualitative research through interviews with community leaders and ritual participants, as well as participatory observation, found that this forest ordination ritual helps create conservation awareness and restore forests at the community level. However, there are still challenges in expanding the results more widely. This research points out the role of local beliefs in forest resource management and ways to integrate beliefs with modern academic principles for sustainability.