Planting trees according to the royal initiative: Reforestation without planting
Keywords:
reforestation without planting, planting forests in people’s hearts, using nature to help nature, forest bathing, well-beingAbstract
Abstract
This article synthesizes knowledge on forest restoration under the Royal Initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, focusing on the concepts of reforestation without planting, planting forests in people’s hearts, and using nature to help nature. It also examines the application of these ideas through case studies of successful conservation areas, including Khao Laem National Park, Thap Lan National Park, and Kaeng Krachan National Park, as well as the development of the PhuphaPhe Forest Bathing Learning Center. The findings indicate that sustainable forest restoration is not achieved merely by planting trees, but requires ecological understanding, appropriate management based on local context, and active community participation.
In addition, forest bathing serves as an important approach for promoting well-being by reducing stress, strengthening the connection between people and nature, and fostering environmental awareness among children, youth, and parents. It can also be extended into community-based learning for forest management, non-timber forest products, and health-oriented tourism that generates local income. Therefore, forest bathing centers represent an integrated model linking natural resource conservation, human well-being, and sustainable community development.
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