A historical perspective of the resources and issues of Pak Phanang Bay, southern Thailand

Abstract

The Coastal Resources Institute (CORIN) at Prince of Songkla University worked with local communities to understand coastal issues and opportunities of the Pak Phanang Bay in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Southern Thailand. Historically, the area has been an important agricultural field and trading town but now it is characterized by slow population growth due to out migration and a decreased economic base. Residents have noted major environmental degradation within their lifetimes. Through the ‘Ecological History’, which means a history of the way people and nature have interacted over time, an initial identification and assessment of the key environmental problems were made with the participation and support of the people of Pak Phanang. The approach is based on the belief that for successful resources management, it needs action by local people, supported by the government, that will safeguard and restore local ecosystems.