Group formation and adaptation in eco-tourism and economic activities re-lated to resource management among Chao Le in Lipe and Adang Islands
การรวมกลุ่มกับการปรับเปลี่ยนในกิจกรรมเพื่อการท่องเที่ยวเชิงนิเวศ และกิจกรรมทาง
เศรษฐกิจอื่นที่เกี่ยวข้องกับการจัดการทรัพยากรของชาวเลในเกาะลิเป็ะและเกาะอาดัง
Somsak Boromthanarat, Director, Coastal Resources Inst. (CORIN), PSU.
Awae Masae, Asst. Prof., D. of Agriculture Development, F. of Natural Resources, PSU.
Pilaiwan Prapriut, Coastal Resources Inst. (CORIN), PSU.
Damrong Siammai, Coastal Resources Inst. (CORIN), PSU
.
Corresponding e-mail : bsomsak@ratree.psu.ac.th
Grant : IMT-GT Studies Center, PSU.
Published : Research Report
Key words : group formation, Chao Le community development group, SWOT analysis,
eco-tourism, resource management
Widespread competition in fishery resources utilization among different groups of users has
led fisheries which is a traditional primary occupation of Chao Le on Lipe island, to be depletion. Recently, an idea was initiated to encourage the Chao Le community to seek occupational alterna-
tives, which will help in adapting natural resources management towards sustainability and more practical. This initiative was supported financially by the EU through its project in the area. A group called "Choa Le Community Development" was established to be an important mechanism in driving the development and empowerment of the group.
The objectives of this study were to investigate changes in socio-economic conditions and natural resource management in Choa Le Community, and to analyse the development of "Choa Le Community Development Group" as well as its adjustment of economic activities related to eco-tourism, The methodology of this research followed an action research approach in which researchers participated, observed and interacted constructively in group movements. Additionally, informal in-terview with leading community members and formal interview with a sample of 30 members of the community were conducted.
The results of the study showed a the decline of fisheries that caused increasing economic pressures to the Chao Le Community. At the same time, tourism and its related services appeared to improve and benefit to the community. Both leading and ordinary members of the community were happy with the formation of the "Choa Le Community Development Group". The group provided opportunities for members to it join meetings and express their ideas, It also encouraged Chao Le
people to improve their tourism management and administration in a more systematic way. Two main activities (i) diving equipment services and (ii) boat-running services for tourists have been offered
by the group. Such activities are significantly beneficial to the members, youths and the community
as a whole. Moreover, it also promoted a better management of tourism and the environment. Never-theless, the group was still in its infant stage of development, therefore, its effects had not yet been apparent.
The results of SWOT analysis showed that the strengths of Chao Le Community Development Group were its leading members who were enthusiastic and had experiences in eco-tourism and train-ing to be guides and diving masters. Additionally, Chao Le were familiar with the surrounding areas that were rich with eco-tourism resources. However, the majority of Chao Le were still reluctant to undertake new activities. The group itself still lacked good management arrangements. Chao Le had limited experiences in utilizing other resources available for economic purposes. Opportunities for
the development of the communities included fund availability from the established trust fund, the policy promoting eco-tourism, and technical as well as academic supports. Nevertheless, the lack of good coordination was the main threat.
The prime suggestion from this study is the need to have a strong coordinating body to enhance the development of eco-tourism and related activities in the area. This coordinating body should play roles in pooling resources from concerned agencies and applying them in an integrated manner.
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