Knowledge Management for Sustainable Management and Conservation of Coastal Resources through Community Participation in the Gulf Coast, Sathing Phra District, Songkhla Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) draw lessons from two research studies and 2) formulate public policies for the sustainable management and conservation of coastal resources with the involvement of Gulf Coast communities in Sathing Phra District, Songkhla Province. The sample consisted of representatives from five communities across five sub-districts in Sathing Phra District who live along Thailand’s Gulf Coast. Purposive sampling selected 20 fishermen from each community (totaling 100 people), along with public and private officials related to coastal resource management, with two representatives from each of 16 agencies, totaling 32 individuals. The tools used for knowledge transfer included a policy and strategy manual for community-based marine and coastal resources management aimed at sustainable selfreliance. Data were collected using interviews and observations method. The qualitative data were analyzed through summary descriptive analysis. The results of the research could lead to the formation of four main public policies on the sustainable management and conservation of coastal resources in Thailand’s Gulf Coast communities in Sathing Phra District, Songkhla Province, as follows: 1) demarcating conservation zones for sustainable shared use, 2) establishing rules, practices, and agreements for managing conservation zones, 3) fostering involvement of networking parties in coastal resources management, and 4) enhancing community income generation.