Community-Based Natural Resource and Environmental Management in Songkram River Basin, Tha Kon Community, Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this research are to explore potential and utilization, problems and needs for natural resources and environment development and to search for the approaches in community-based natural resource and environmental management in Songkram River Basin, Tha Kon Sub-district, Akat Amnuai District, Sakon Nakhon Province. It is the qualitative research with the theory formed by the data. The research target group consists of 30 stakeholders in the natural resources and environment of the community. The data is collected by using in-depth interviews. The notes are used in the group discussions and participatory observation. The research results reveal that; 1) Songkram River Basin, Tha Kon Sub-district, has the potential and utilization in food, function, and learning and tourism sources, 2) This river basin area has problems of shallow river, flood, bank erosion, reduction in the number and size of aquatic animals, reduction of forest areas, swamp forests, and inefficient waste management, 3) There is the need in the development of creating a bank flap and stairs down the river, aquatic conservation area, sustainable conservation, restoration and use of soil, forest and water, solid waste management system, and awareness raising to the youth, and 4) Guidelines for natural resource and environment management by the community consist of strong policies, organizational management, network partners, group management, knowledge management, responsibilities, activities, and morality.