From 30 April to 2 May, the IKEA Phase 7.2 Project organised a three-day workshop titled “Rubber Tapping Using Ethylene Gas: Integrated with Agroforestry and Land Management in Line with Government Policy to Reduce Human-Elephant Conflict and Promote Sustainable Coexistence with Forests.”
The workshop aimed to strengthen the knowledge and practical skills of community members from five villages in Tha Chana District, Surat Thani Province: Ban Huai Khiam, Ban Khlong Rok, Ban Klang, Ban Rai Yao, and Ban Tha Mai.
The main objectives were to introduce ethylene gas rubber tapping—a technique that increases latex yield and reduces labour—alongside promoting agroforestry practices. The training also focused on understanding land management in accordance with national policy, a key approach to managing human-elephant conflict and encouraging communities to live in harmony with nature.
The training attracted strong interest from participating villagers, as it provided practical knowledge that could be applied in their daily lives. Environmental conservation and peaceful coexistence with wildlife were also emphasised throughout the sessions.
The IKEA Project team hopes that the knowledge and skills gained through this workshop will support long-term community development, improve livelihoods, and foster sustainable living with nature.
