Rathirat Kewmesuin. The consciousness of local people in environmental conservation : a case study of Koh Samet Rayong province . Master's Degree(Environment). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2004.
The consciousness of local people in environmental conservation : a case study of Koh Samet Rayong province
Abstract:
The objectives of this research were to study the levels of consciousness, obstacles and
factors affecting consciousness of local people and to establish recommendations to develop the
consciousness of local people in environmental conservation at Koh Samet. The study looked at both
quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was collected by questionnaires. The sampling group
was 140 households. (The Statistical Package for Social Sciences) was used for data analysis. In
addition, qualitative data were collected by in-depth interview and analyzed by descriptive approach.
The sampling group were local organizations, government agencies and related organizations, NGOs
and community organizations (10 person).
The results of this study showed that the consciousness of local people in environmental
conservation at Koh Samet was at a moderate level. Factors significantly affecting consciousness of
environmental conservation included: environmental activity participation and value placed on natural
resources and environment (at p<0.001). Age, education level and knowledge on environmental
conservation made significant difference to consciousness of environmental conservation (at p<0.01).
Likewise, access to environmental conservation information and perception of their legal rights
regarding the environment made a significant difference to consciousness of environmental
conservation (at p<0.05).
The problems and obstacles to creating consciousness of environmental conservation include
a lack of proper cooperation by the related authorities that involve Koh Samet development. Local
people lack information about environmental conservation. The previous local organization had few
developments and did not encourage knowledge about natural resources and the environment. When the
environmental problem occurred at Koh Samet, local groups lacked cooperation and participation to
solve the problems.
This study recommends that the related authorities that involve Koh Samet development
should cooperate in problem solving. Seminars should be arranged on environmental conservation.
Local people should gain better knowledge and information about the current situation about
environmental problems in Koh Samet through local broadcasting and governors. Moreover, this will
encourage local people to participate more in environmental conservation activities.