Knowledge management of Local wisdom in mangrove Forest conservation in Kanchanadit, Suratthani Province

Abstract

This research is a qualitative with the objective of 1) to study contexts of mangrove forest in Kanchanadit, Suratthani 2) to study the local wisdom regarding conservation and management of mangrove forest 3) to manage mangrove forest in a sustainable and beneficial manner. The group of key informants for the specific group conversation was 40 persons. The research tools included formal interview and Focus Group Discussion. The Data analysis concluded the following. And presenting descriptive forms;

            The research found that

1. The contexts of mangrove forest had a wide variety of plants and animals.
2. Local wisdom in conservation and management of mangrove forest, knowledge of local environmental issues that directly affect the mangrove ecosystem and the harvesting of natural and organic herbs from the ground and the used of tools to help catch fish from mangroves. The community used the mangrove resources wisely and sparingly. In each community, there was a common idea of catching aquatic life. They choose to catch only aquatic lives that are fully grown and catching during the spawning season is prohibited. This provides opportunities for aquatic species to breed and repopulate.
3. The management of the local ecosystem through conservation and the use of mangrove forest resources were preserving native species. The site was a nursery and breeding ground for many of the indigenous species. There had been products such as tea leaf. After the community had adopted the local knowledge and techniques regarding conserve of the mangrove area, there are more native clams, which has increased and can be strongly associated to local practices. There is nursery which is producing seedlings and mangrove trees have been planted to increase the mangrove area and help to develop more medicinal plants.