TITLE:
Socioeconomic and Ecological Impact Analysis of Rubber Cultivation in Southeast Asia
AUTHORS:
Chansack Vongkhamheng, Jianhua Zhou, Mukete Beckline, Sythud Phimmachanh
KEYWORDS:
Natural Rubber, Income, Livelihood, Rural Communities, Southeast Asia, Hevea brasiliensis
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.3 No.1,
January
27,
2016
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.