Artisanal Fisheries’ Way of Life of the Two Bays People: A Case Study of Conflict Resolution Based on Cooperation between Chumphon Province Artisanal Fisheries Network and Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

Abstract

The research article aimed to 1) investigate the problems affecting the artisanal fisheries and way of life of the“Two Bays People”; 2) synthesize lessons learned from past conflict resolution efforts based on cooperation between 2020 and 2022; and 3) identity successful approaches to conflict resolution. A participatory action research (PAR) framework was used, emphasizing collaboration between the academic research team and the local community researchers. The research process was organized into six steps: 1) Preparation; 2) Problem analysis, 3) Action plan for conflict resolution; 4) Planning for monitoring and evaluation; 5) Implementation according to the plan; and 6) Evaluation of the conflict process. Content  analysis was employed, and findings were presented descriptively.

  The results revealed that: 1) The main problem affecting the artisanal fishers was the declaration of a national park boundary that overlaps traditional residential and fishing areas. The absence of clearly marked boundary buoys and certain provisions in the National Park Act B.E.2562(2019) created legal obstacles to traditional fishing practices, resulting in legal conflicts and arrests for alleged encroachment; 2)The synthesis of lessons from previous conflict resolution efforts indicated that the goals set by the small-scale fisher working group had not yet been fully achieved; and 3) The path to successful conflict resolution requires the genuine commitment of all stakeholders, with an emphasis on three key principles: "Collaboration, Shared Awareness, and Joint problem-solving”.