Pasicha Chaikaew. Local people participation in firefly ecotourism management : a case study in Ban Samaechai, Phetchaburi province. Master's Degree(Natural Resource Management). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2005.
Local people participation in firefly ecotourism management : a case study in Ban Samaechai, Phetchaburi province
Abstract:
Ban Samaechai is located near the estuary where Phetchaburi River and sea
water merge. Ban Samaechai is a suitable area for fireflies, small bugs of scientific
interest. In 2002, this place was promoted as an ecotourism site. Ecotourism activities
require participatory management from local people to make the balance between
economics and environmental protection.
The objectives of this study were to investigate the development of firefly
ecotourism management, to study factors influencing the local participation, to study
the relationship between the level of local participation in firefly ecotourism
management and the level of firefly conservation. A questionnaire was used as a
quantitative research method. Seventy one household respondents were selected based
on an accidental sampling method. Meanwhile, in-depth interview and focus group
were administered as a qualitative research method.
The study results demonstrated that occupation, monthly income, length of
residence, and distance from house to river were personal factors influencing the level
of people participation in firefly ecotourism management. In addition, attitude,
communication systems, interpersonal communication, and group communication
were other factors that influenced the level of participation. Both levels of
participation in firefly ecotourism and firefly conservation were categorized at
medium levels. The results show that level of participation and level of firefly
conservation were directly proportional. Positive impacts and a negative impact
occurred from firefly ecotourism. Problems from ecotourism management could be
accounted for by lack of managing knowledge, lack of main agency, and lack of initial
facilities.
It is recommended that all stakeholders should unite to increase cooperative
working. Activities during day-time should be provided instead of only night-time
activities. Notice boards and regulations must be legible and noticeable to educate
tourists. Homestay, a current popular kind of tourism in Thailand, is not suitable for
management in Ban Samaechai right now.