A Journey into the Co-Design Process: The First Steps Toward Systemic Change in Nan

Project Update July 9, 2026

Nan Province is located in northern Thailand, with its northern and eastern borders adjoining Laos. More than half of the province is covered by forests, and it is home to seven national parks. Beyond its rich forest landscapes, the province is the source of the Nan River, one of Thailand's major waterways. The river is a key tributary of the Chao Phraya River, which flows through central Thailand and supports water security for millions of people in the lowlands. Remarkably, around 40% of the Chao Phraya River’s water originates from the Nan River. Forests cover around 30% of Thailand as a whole, while the northern region has the country’s largest forested area, with forests covering approximately 63% of the landscape. In Nan Province, forest cover remains relatively high at 61%. However, this represents a significant decline from the 1960s and 1970s, when official records indicate that forest cover stood at around 85%.  Despite its vital role in conserving forests, biodiversity, and watershed ecosystems, Nan remains one of Thailand’s less economically prosperous provinces. Its gross provincial product (GPP) per capita stands at THB 86,057 (approximately USD 2,615), ranking 63rd out of Thailand’s 77 provinces. Limited economic opportunities and persistent livelihood challenges continue to place pressure on natural resources, as many local communities rely heavily on land and forest-based activities to sustain their incomes. 

Stakeholder network analysis of the Nam Tien Provincial Protection Forest in Laos

News March 5, 2025

Can we turn back the tide of industrial farming?

Project Update March 5, 2024

When the Nam Tien Reservoir was established in Sayaboury Province to provide water for the rice farmers living downstream, the surrounding area was thick with forest. Many rare species of birds and animals could be found in this forest, which was also a source of fruits, nuts, herbs and mushrooms for local communities. In 2011, this area was considered the ideal place to establish the Elephant Conservation Centre. What has happened since then, however, represents a threat to the future of these iconic animals and the wellbeing of local people.  During the past decade, a drastic transformation occurred in the landscape around the Nam Tien reservoir. Hundreds of hectares have been cleared to make way for the crops demanded by foreign investors. Despite being declared a ‘Protection Area’ by the local government, what was observed by researchers from the Wyss Academy in 2023 was the replacement of the natural vegetation by banana plantations drenched in pesticides, melon fields covered by kilometers of plastic sheeting, and several rows of cassava planted on rapidly eroding slopes.  In order to find a solution to these problems, data was collected, maps were prepared, and several meetings were held. Different stakeholders agreed that the encroachment of the Nam Tien Protection Area had to stop, and the forest should be restored. The Provincial Governor issued instructions and established a task force. The Department responsible for Agriculture and Forestry has been given a leading role, while others responsible for Planning, Finance, the Environment and Public Security also have a part to play in this challenging endeavor.