Community Products Development for Livable Green Community Tourism, Bang Len Community, Bangyai District, Nonthaburi Province

Abstract

This study aims to 1) create a green community tourism master plan, 2) strengthen skills in producing green products that create added value, and 3) develop activities promoting the well-being of the elderly. This participatory action research employed a combination of methods, featuring both quantitative and qualitative studies. The tools used include a geospatial information system, a survey form, and in-depth interviews. The target sample consisted of 36 people. i.e., three senior citizens, four local scholars, four community leaders, one involved party, and 24 community members. The results of the study, in line with its three objectives, are revealed as follows: (1) As for the cultural landscape, the green area of this community has only 54.32 percent left. The study of the historical background shows four phases of development.  To conserve this green community, the master plan formulated by this study contains four strategies. (2) This study suggests training activities for producing green products, of which the implementation is expected to bring about 10 products. It also suggests organizing green flea market demonstration activities. And (3) This study suggests elderly health promotion through the use of alternative energy (i.e., cycling pump bikes to water vegetables, equipping solar lighting in health promotion parks, and making use of reusable materials). This research has educated and advocated for different involved parties to integrate the master plan and prepare budgets for implementing ‘holistic’ community development through initiatives, demonstrations, marketing, and public relations to promote community products comprehensively. Furthermore, this research has established practical guidelines for the achievement of sustainable community development.