| Author | Kanisara Chetbandit |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.NR-03-13 |
| Subject(s) | Ecotourism--Thailand--Citizen participation
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| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. NR-03-13 |
| Abstract | This study attempts to discover how to improve the development of ecotourism in Mu Koh Chang National Park particularly in Salakphet Bay Community. It commenced with examination of 126 local residents' willingness to participate in ecotourism development and their perception on the impacts of ecotourism development such as economic, social, cultural, and environmental. A 24-item scale assessed Ecotourism impacts and showed that the perceived economic impacts were highest and followed by environmental. Social and cultural aspects were found to be the least favored. Chi-square test showed that no social and demographic variables were significantly associated with local residents' perception. Local residents exhibited the willingness to participate in all four stages of ecotourism project, namely, planning, implementation, benefit sharing and monitoring and evaluation. Chi-square test showed significant relationship between local residents' willingness and the social and demographic factors, namely, income, awareness on ecotourism, involvement in planning stage, and the need for ecotourism. Appreciative Participatory Planning and Action (APPA) approach was employed and adapted to develop an appropriate guideline for improving ecotourism development in the area. Seven categories of guidelines were drawn. These are: 1) Minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts, 2) Facilities and services improvement, 3) Promoting natural resources, cultural and environmental awareness, 4) Maximizing local's benefit, 5) Strengthen local's participation, 6) Land tenure and customary right recognition, and 7) Improving ecotourism project's implementation. |
| Year | 2003 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. NR-03-13 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Webb, Edward L.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Schmidt-Vogt, Dietrich;Soparth Pongquan; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government (RTG); |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2003 |