Envisioning future scenarios for sustainable land management in a mountain system in northern Thailand using the KESHO Tool

Abstract ID: 3.11199
|Review Result Accepted as Poster
|Abstract registered Abstract is registered
| 2025-09-17 15:04 - 15:06
|Presentation Location SOWI – Garden
Pusingha, P. (1,2)
Marchant, R. (3)
(1) Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, YO10 5NG, United Kingdom
(2) Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
(3) York Institute for Tropical Ecosystems (KITE), Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, YO10 5NG, United Kingdom
How to cite: Pusingha, P.; Marchant, R.: Envisioning future scenarios for sustainable land management in a mountain system in northern Thailand using the KESHO Tool, International Mountain Conference 2025, Innsbruck, Sep 14 - 18 2025, #IMC25-3.11199, 2025.
Categories: Agriculture
Keywords: future land use, land cover, sustainable development, development policy, inclusive management
Categories: Agriculture
Keywords: future land use, land cover, sustainable development, development policy, inclusive management
Abstract

Mountain social-ecological systems face increasing pressures from land degradation, population growth, and climate change, necessitating innovative approaches to envision sustainable futures. We apply a participatory land use scenario planning tool to envision future land use scenarios for a mountain system in northern Thailand. Through participant engagement, we construct a historical change timeline that extends back some 50 years and can be used to identify driving forces and co-develop plausible futures. The process reveals both desirable and undesirable futures, as well as steps needed for achieving sustainability across the landscape where forests have been converted to cash crops. KESHO fosters collaborative future land use planning by integrating science-based and local knowledge while also enhancing the learning process and sense of ownership. This study provides critical insights for policymakers and communities striving to build sustainable land management of mountain systems in northern Thailand. The approach underscores the potential of participatory scenario planning in navigating sustainable and resilient mountain landscapes.