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Defenders of the Forest Spotlight - Pati Tayae
Defenders of the Forest Spotlight - Pati Tayae
Tayae Yotchatmingboon, known as 'Pati Tayae', is a 72-year-old community scholar and environmental activist from Ban Sob Lan, Chiang Mai Province. For decades, he has advocated for indigenous forest-dependent communities, negotiating state policies and promoting understanding of the Pga K'nyau people's way of life.
As a community leader, Pati Tayae emphasizes respect for nature and traditional beliefs. The Pga K'nyau people practice rituals, such as ceremonies before rotational farming, which serve as forms of environmental conservation. These customs, including ghost worship and the concept of 'navel trees', reflect their deep connection to the forest.
The conflict between government officials and indigenous communities stems from misunderstanding their culture and lifestyle. Misconceptions about rotational crops cultivation have led to policies threatening these communities' ways of life. Pati Tayae believes that communication by community members is key to fostering peaceful coexistence.
Inspired by witnessing the struggles of other indigenous groups, Pati Ta Ya became an activist. He works to protect community rights, create cooperative networks, and develop guidelines for forest management. His efforts include mapping residential and farming areas, defining wildlife protection zones, and supporting indigenous land rights.
Through his work, Pati Tayae aims to bridge the gap between government policies and indigenous wisdom, ensuring the preservation of both the forest and the communities that have long been its stewards.
In 1993, when the Royal Forest Department planned to establish Ob Khan National Park, overlapping Ban Sob Lan community's area, Pati Tayae and Northern Farmer Foundation protested. They presented GPS-surveyed village maps and negotiated with the Minister of Agriculture. Pati Tayae explained the Pga K’nyau's forest stewardship, leading to a review committee and postponement of the park's boundary announcement.
Pati Tayae acknowledges the marginalization of forest communities, often accused of deforestation. He views protests as opportunities for peaceful negotiation and mutual understanding, rejecting violent approaches.
In 2020, Pati Tayae led National Park officials on a 24-day survey to reassess boundaries. Despite ongoing uncertainty due to forest reclamation policies, Pati remains hopeful, encouraged by youth interest in forest management issues.
Pati emphasizes that forest conservation stems from belief and faith, not just laws or education. He highlights the Pga K’nyau tradition of 'Navel Trees', where each person has a designated tree from birth to death, illustrating their deep connection to the forest.
Ban Sop Lan community's conservation practices, rooted in Pga K’nyau beliefs, have preserved 7,000 of their 8,700 rai as protected forest. Pati stresses that forests benefit everyone, not just the Pga K’nyau, and advocates for sustainable use without commodification.
He concludes with a principle: “People who drink water must conserve water. People who eat rice must know about rice plants. People who live in the forest must take care of the forest. People who use everything must take care of everything as well.”
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