Forest is a big source of energy and other valuable natural resources. However, the processes of national and industrial development have prompted the excessive and wasteful use of these natural gifts from the forest. Such an unregulated use has resulted in the built-up of greenhouse effect which gradually produce harmful consequences to human beings and their environment. Forest is a source of clean air and carbon sink. It absorbs the water and retains the soil fertility.

Huy Tao Dam Forest is still rich and full of big trees. With the area about 5,000 ha, it is conserved as a source of energy by communities settling around. However, the growth of population around the area with subsequent need for more cultivated land and forest product is threatening the forest. Wild fire from slash-and-burn activity is occasionally and difficult to control.

These problems are the consequences of ignorance of surrounding communities. They hardly realize they are degrading their own environment and livelihood. Therefore, education and capacity building of communities are very important and appropriate solution.

Project goals or objectives (including GEF problem-area addressed by projects):

1. To raise conservation awareness, especially on energy and natural resources derived from forest
2. To create supplementary careers which are appropriate to communities
3. To encourage the cooperation among surrounding communities and youths in the area of appropriate utilization of natural resources and energy

Activities to be carried out under project:

Activties at school level can be summarized as follows:

1. To conduct study tour and training for youth leaders in the area of both conventianal and renewable energy
2. To formulate course of environmental education and apply in classrooms
3. To organize seminars for environmental networks at provincial level

Activities at community level can be summarized as follows:

1. To organize seminars for community leaders
2. To conduct study tour in the area of supplementary career
3. To set up working group to locate fire break areas and to monitor the forest

Project participants and/or beneficiaries:

1. Teachers and students of Muang Tao Dam School and 200 youths from Karn
Conservation Group
2. Community leaders from 50 families and 500 persons from general publics

Anticipated results of project:

1. Participating youths, community leaders and persons from general publics possess insight about the virtue and utilization of natural resources and energy while at least 50 % of these individuals are able to disseminate the message to wider publics for daily application.
2. About 40 % of the target groups experience better economical situation.
3. There emerges at least 1 environmental network.
4. There emerges a certain area of rich forest whose a portion is preserved for natural study for youths and other interested population.