This research, a qualitative research, consists of three main objectives, namely:          i) to study the model of community based forest management in the upper basin of Mun river; ii) to study roles of the forest scholars in cultivating consciousness in community based forest management in the upper basin of Mun river; and iii) to demonstrate a model of Consciousness Cultivation for the community based forest management in the upper basin of Mun River. The research was carried out using in-depth interviewing with 40 key informants and by discussing with 16 scholars from the focus group. Tools used to collect data in this research were structured interviews. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and exploratory data analyses.

             Findings in this study reveal as follows:

             1. The model of community based forest management in the upper basin of Mun river can be categorized into the following 2 types: "Traditional Forest Conservation" refers to community forest management based on knowledge, local wisdom, beliefs, faith and rules descended as local tradition since the part. For example , Phu Ta ghost prayer ceremony, and making offerings to the forest ghost which contribute to continuous commitment to preserve the forests of local residents. And another type of management model is “Modern Forest Conservation” which refers to community based forest management as implemented by governmental authorities like the Royal Forest Department in allowing the community to participate in owning and managing the community forest by themselves and work together with the authority, whereas the government will supervise the management processes to follow the required standards. Furthermore, the Sufficiency Economy theory is also applied to the latter management model so that to achieve the sustainability according to Royal Initiative guideline of His Majesty the King, e.g. ; planting in one's heart , growing 3 plants for 4 benefits. Furthermore, the development will also contribute to a learning center for nature conservation, ecotourism which will distinctly contribute to successful spatial conservation leading to the extension of the community forest network and in driving to legislate the Community Forestry Act aiming to establish more concrete network.

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