Doi Tung – Rank 24 - Thailand

In 1987, a developmental project was initiated for Doi Tung under royal patronage in Chiang Rai Province, encompassing its subdistricts. The project's objective was to enhance the quality of life for 11,000 residents belonging to six tribes in the region, amidst challenges of drought and poverty. Villagers were previously engaged in illicit activities such as slash-and- burn agriculture, opium cultivation, and prostitution as means of survival. 

The project is executed through the "forests for people"; concept, focusing on human- centered solutions to alleviate poverty. It adheres strictly to the principle of achieving economic advancement while maintaining social stability and preserving environmental integrity. The reforestation efforts at Doi Tung serve as the foundation for rejuvenating the degraded mountainous forests, revitalizing arid land and dried-up streams into fertile watershed areas. This initiative includes a balanced mix of economic forests and natural habitats, crucial for sustaining the local community's livelihoods on Doi Tung today.

Parallel to forest restoration is the cultivation of self-reliant individuals and the further development of communities. This endeavor generates diverse employment opportunities and careers tailored to individuals with varying skill sets, including coffee and macadamia cultivation and processing, handicraft production, service sector employment, tissue culture, and landscape agriculture. These efforts aim to empower the youth as future leaders within the community.