Socioeconomic and Ecological Impact Analysis of Rubber Cultivation in Southeast Asia - Open Access Library Journal

OALibJ > Vol.3 No.1, January 2016

Socioeconomic and Ecological Impact Analysis of Rubber Cultivation in Southeast Asia ()

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DOI: 10.4236/oalib.1102339 3,137 Downloads 8,808 Views Citations

Author(s)

Chansack Vongkhamheng^1*, Jianhua Zhou¹, Mukete Beckline², Sythud Phimmachanh¹

Affiliation(s)

¹School of Economics and Management, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
²Department of Forest Management, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we aimed at examining the role of natural rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) cultivation as a source of income for rural communities as well as a potential source of ecological damage. We reviewed existing scientific literature and data sources on natural rubber cultivation particularly in south East Asia. We observed that, the latex from the lower part of the trunk has a high commercial value which can assist rural communities in socioeconomic development; the trunk is a source of timber and wood while its branches are now being used for firewood and pegs. We also found out that, rubber cultivation harms watersheds and destroys tropical forest ecosystems. Nevertheless, the cultivation and establishment of rubber plantations would have a very positive socioecological impact with adequate and effective management and proper sustainable planning as well as an involvement of rural communities in the decision making process.

KEYWORDS

Natural Rubber, Income, Livelihood, Rural Communities, Southeast Asia, Hevea brasiliensis

Share and Cite:

Vongkhamheng, C. , Zhou, J. , Beckline, M. and Phimmachanh, S. (2016) Socioeconomic and Ecological Impact Analysis of Rubber Cultivation in Southeast Asia. Open Access Library Journal, 3, 1-11. doi: 10.4236/oalib.1102339.

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