Project/activity information

This 36-month project will develop and disseminate knowledge and technologies to promote the sustainable management and efficient utilization of rattan, an important trade commodity for forest dwellers that is now in very short supply due to its over-exploitation. The project will establish two demonstration plots: Sakon Nakhon province in the northern part of Thailand for the harvesting and utilization of rattan shoots and Krabi province in the southern part of Thailand for the sustainable management of rattan shoots and canes. On these plots, guidelines on management and harvesting of rattan will be developed. A study of the working properties of selected rattan species will be carried out and techniques for preservation and processing, including the bending and bleaching of rattan canes after harvesting, will be developed. The project will also establish two cottage industries for the production of edible rattan shoots and for the production of rattan furniture parts and weaving in Sakon Nakhon province. Before project completion, two training courses on the processing and packing of edible rattan shoot products and rattan furniture parts will be undertaken.