The Community Research Potential Development with Learning Process in Economic Valuation of Mangrove Forest in Buboi Community, Laemson Sub-District, Langu District, Satun Province

Abstract

The objective of this study is to create the learning process in research on mangrove management and economic valuation and to enhance the community research team potential in mangrove management. Research methods employed both qualitative and quantitative research focusing on creating a learning process for the community research team. The learning process included principle of research process, experience of the community on mangrove management with community networks, and principle of economic valuation with actual practice. Results of the study were the increased understanding and skills of community research team in research process. They were able to identify and prioritize research questions, understand and able to use 18 data collection tools, able to create a survey questionnaire and understand sampling method.  The whole learning process enhanced their potential in doing research, together with the economic valuation process and practice helped increase their awareness of local resources which may lead to sustainable resource utilization and conservation. Results quantitative research economic valuation of timber is the case, wood was 17,850,060.80 Baht, poles was 4,388,400 Baht, saplings and seedling was 22,936,704 Baht.