Local knowledge framework for sustainable utilization of mangrove forest : a case study of Klong Khone sub-district, Mueang district, Samut Songkhram province, Thailand

Abstract

A development of local knowledge or local knowledge life cycle for locally appropriate sustainable utilization of mangrove ecosystem services was influenced by factors that were specific to ecological and social-cultural conditions and varied relying a change of the targeted mangrove ecosystem services for utilization. This study aims 1) to identify the factors in the local knowledge life cycle during two phases of mangrove stand initiation and young forest regrowth at Klong Khone sub-district, Samut Songkhram province, Thailand and 2) to propose the local knowledge framework for the sustainable utilization of mangrove ecosystem services and lessons learned through the local knowledge life cycle in the study area. The data was collected by field observation, questionnaires survey totally 160 respondents who were 140 fishermen, and in-depth interview with 20 key stakeholders who had roles and responsibilities involving the local knowledge life cycle during the mangrove forest development. They included former and current village chiefs, local governmental agencies, community enterprises, local philosophers, and mangrove forest conservation groups. Descriptive statistical analysis and event analysis were employed to analyze the collected data. The results showed that the factors in local knowledge life cycle during two phases were ecological, managerial, emotional, and social factors. The ecological factors, especially a reduction of aquatic animals which affected the local people’s income and livelihood motivated the local people’s perception and led them to restore mangrove forest for accruing aquatic animals, solving poverty and sustaining their livelihood. A trust and faith of local people in HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and former village chiefs majorly influenced the local people’s voluntary participation in the local knowledge life cycle during two phases of mangrove forest development. A common property right was a key factor motivating local people’s perception and participation as it indirectly created the local people’s sense of ownership and land tenure and resources security. A mangrove use zoning, and an application of local knowledge and local livelihood also found in a plan validation and monitoring the local people’s utilization of the mangrove ecosystem services. These major factors in the local knowledge life cycle were used to create a local knowledge framework which can be applied for community capacity building to sustain local livelihood under the change of ecological, social, cultural and economic conditions.