Ratanawadee Chulaphant. Local people's participation in ecotourism management : a case study of Koh Larn, Chonburi province . Master's Degree(Environment). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2004.
Local people's participation in ecotourism management : a case study of Koh Larn, Chonburi province
Abstract:
The objectives of this research were to study the levels of participation, factors
affecting participation of local people and the obstacles and recommendations towards local
people’s participation in ecotourism management. The study looked at both quantitative and
qualitative data. Quantitative data was collected by questionnaire. The sampling group was 180
households. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. In
addition, qualitative data was collected by in-depth interview and analyzed by descriptive
approach. The sampling group were local government, community leaders, and tourism
business entrepreneurs (12 person)
The results of this study showed that local people’s participation in ecotourism
management at Koh Larn was at a low level. Factors significantly affecting participation in
ecotourism management included: occupation, experience in training on ecotourism and
perception of impact caused by ecotourism (at p<0.001). Social status and awareness of
ecotourism information made significant difference to paricipation in ecotourism management
(at p<0.01). Likewise, duration of residence in community, knowledge on ecotourism and value
place on natural resource and environment made significant difference to participation in
ecotourism management (at p<0.05).
The problems and obstacles to the participation in ecotourism management include
lack of information about ecotourism by local people, lack of knowledge and understanding
about ecotourism, and lack of proper cooperation between local people and government officers and
conflict in interests. In addition, the government officers did not give an opportunity to local people
to participate in ecotourism seriously.
The result of this study recommended that the government officers should be given more
information about ecotourism. Local people should gain better knowledge about ecotourism by
participating in ecotourism management activities, training or meeting. In addition, this will
encourage local people to give their opinions and participate more in ecotourism management