The Participation of local people in mangrove forest conservation : a case study of Tambon Laemtalumpuk, Pakpanang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province
Abstract:
This study investigated levels of peoples participation in preserving the mangrove forests in Tambon Leamtalumpuk, Pakpanang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and factors affecting their participation and problems. It used 2 methodologies: a quantitative approach applying a questionnaires to heads of households or their spouses aged 15-60 years with duration of stay in the Tambon Laemtalumpuk of not less than a year before the data were collected; a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews of tambon chiefs, the secretary of the local administration organization (the 5th Station of Mangrove Forest Development) and persons with experience in conserving community mangrove forests. Data analysis was undertaken by SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science). The majority of the local people participated moderately in preservation of the mangrove forests. Factors affecting their participation were their utilization,
training, and information perception by statistical significance at 0.001 level. Age, income per month, and education affected their participation in preservation of the mangrove forests by statistical significance at 0.01 level. Experience of storms affected their participation in preservation of the mangrove forests by statistical significance at 0.05 level. Problems and limitations of participation in preservation of the mangrove forests were local people were preoccupied with going to sea and officers did not encourage people to participate. It is recommended that units and officers involved provide more opportunity for peoples participation by launching campaigns and public relations campaigns through different local media such as broadcasting tower, and radio. They should also provide greater opportunity for people to provide opinions and officers should be willing to hear them for further improvement"