Abstract:
The objective of this research is to develop the ability to proper manage the
Mangrove Forest among local people at Yisan Sub-District Amphawa District Samutsongkram
Province, Thailand, through the construction of an Environmental Education Process, in order
to discover learning achievement, as well as to investigate setbacks and make
recommendations on the Mangrove Forest Management. First the researcher conducted a
quantitative study, surveying community conditions and problems within the area by using
questionnaires as the research tool. Sample participants consisted of 210 household heads or
representatives. Research results were concluded and diagnosed for incorporation into the
manuals for testing with 40 sample participants in the study area. Follow up was done with the
first group of sample participants. Results analysis was done with Percentage, Mean, Standard
Deviation and t-test.
Research results revealed the following data: most sample participants were female,
aged 36 to 56 years old. The household head, who worked for wages, had completed primary
school, received news on the Mangrove Forest through television, wanted to participate in the
process, and emphasized lecturing to gain knowledge as well as sharing group experiences.
Most applied media were manuals and documents while some studied real events and watched
VCDs that emphasized guidelines and methods for Mangrove Forest Management.
After conducting the above process and measuring learning achievement results,
results indicated that sample participants had increased knowledge and understanding in
Mangrove Forest Management with a statistical significance value at 0.05. Follow-up also
suggested that people had gained knowledge, understanding, awareness, attitude, skill and
desire for involvement in the Mangrove Forest Management, with a statistical value at 0.05.
Findings revealed problems and setbacks in the area are caused by sewage water from
industrial factories which are mostly owned by capitalists, and that the community lacked
knowledge in Mangrove Forest Management. As for recommendations, there should be
additional training, more government funding, occupational support and tourism promotion, as
well as arrangment of various activities in Mangrove Forest Management.