National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA) Workshop: The Contribution of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) in Thailand National Ecosystem Assessment

National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA) Workshop: The Contribution of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) in Thailand National Ecosystem Assessment
 
December 13, 2022
 
Paklok Community, Phuket

The Workshop on Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) and its contribution in Thailand National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA) was organized by Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute (CUSRI) The workshop aims to introduce the NEA project to the local community, to encourage local participation in the process, to gather information on indigenous and local knowledge on sustainable natural resources management,  and to explore the needs of the community in restoring their indigenous and local knowledge. The Workshop was facilitated by NEA ILK lead author Associate Professor Narumon Arunotai and attended by Ajarn Saisanit Phongsuwan from Phuket Rajabhat University who has conducted preliminary research on mangrove forest ecosystem of Ao Kung, Phuket and Khun Thanu Napnien from Andaman Organization for Participatory Restoration of Natural Resource.
 

Paklok residents shared their indigenous and local knowledge of local fishery, fishing tools, boats, and fishing methods. They have observed the change in seagrass and mangrove ecosystem. They address the issue that they concern, mangrove deforestation from development and lack of support from the government body. Paklok community looking for support from a government body in order to efficiently maintain marine ecosystem in their area for sustainable livelihoods.