Community Rules : Community Management for Shared Natural Resource Utilization in Bueng Lahan Wetland, Chaiyaphum Province

Abstract

             The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the situation of community-based management for the utilization of common natural resources in the wetland area of Bueng Lahan, Chaiyaphum Province; 2) to study the development of community regulations for the utilization of common natural resources in the wetland area of Bueng Lahan, Chaiyaphum Province; and 3) to study the network for the utilization of common natural resources in the wetland area of Bueng Lahan, Chaiyaphum Province. This study employed an action research approach, incorporating qualitative research through content analysis and synthesis based on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Participants included 30 individuals from various groups: academics, local administrators, local scholars, community enterprises, and community leaders. The collected data were analyzed, summarized, and presented descriptively. The research also applied research and development design, with data analyzed through content analysis.
             The findings revealed that:
             1. The situation of community-based management for the utilization of common natural resources in Bueng Lahan wetland indicated that communities utilized the wetland area while management was also carried out by relevant organizations and agencies.
             2. The community management process for the utilization of common natural resources in Bueng Lahan wetland consisted of: 1) Designing community regulations for resource utilization; 2) Drafting community regulations for resource utilization in relation to the Bueng Lahan, Tong Boa Dang Tourism Area, Ban Kok Sub district, Chaturat District, Chaiyaphum Province, which included: (a) Objectives; (b) Community regulations; (c) Awareness and participation of community members; (d) Practical implementation; (e) Monitoring, reviewing, and evaluation; and (f) Other agreements; and 3) Developing community regulations for the sustainable use of natural resources in Bueng Lahan wetland.
             3. The network for the utilization of common natural resources in Bueng Lahan wetland involved collaboration among relevant organizations to strengthen linkages in resource management, thereby fostering sustainable development.