Participatory mechanism to promote Geographical Indication: Nakorn Pathom Province

Abstract

This research had three objectives: first to study the level of understanding about Geographical Indication in Nakorn Pathom Province and second to study roles and participation of public-private sectors and people to promote, protect and develop geographical product; third to study ways to enrich knowledge and awareness to protect and promote geographical products in Nakorn Prathom Province. The findings of this research were as follows: 1) people in the Nakorn Prathom province had a fair understanding of Geographical Indication. They could indicate that GI product would promote identity of the province. 2) people in the province had not actively participated in protecting and promoting Geographical products in particular planning and budgeting. This research found five factors which could signally protect and promote GI in Nakorn Pathom Province as follows: 1. More People participation/ involvement; 2. Hire experts for developing and marketing Geographical products; 3. Sufficient funding/ budgeting; 4. Public sector awareness; 5. Geographical products should be set forth as national agenda. The research recommended that there should be a public office to particularly promote GI products at the provincial level.