Abstract:
This research aims to study the level of community participation and empowerment in the conservation and management of Don Hoi Lot wetland, Samut Songkhram province. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews with 400 people who live and work in the area, including tourists who visited Don Hoi Lot wetland. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, percentage, weighted average and one-way analysis of variance. The contingent valuation method was applied to assess the economic value of the wetland. The results of the study indicated that the most significant factor for the loss of biodiversity in both mangrove and mudflat areas was from industrial discharges. Community participation on Don Hoi Lot wetland resources conservation was found to be very high. The total annual benefit of the ecosystem services at Don Hoi Lot was estimated at 34,505,229.49 Baht per year. The respondents were willing to pay to preserve biodiversity at Don Hoi Lot at 309,142,988 Baht per year.