Nypa Fruticans Waste for Construction of an Eco-Friendly Pavilion: A Learning Resource and Identity Enhancement of Green Community in Wangwon Sub-District, Trang Province

Abstract

The community of Wang Won sub-district, Kantang district in Trang province is an area fertile with Nypa fruticans which are community economic plants. There is a large amount of Nypa fruticans waste material caused by the peeling of Nypa fruticans leaves approximately 30,000-50,000 pieces per day, which are causing the environmental problems and a problem of scenery in the community. This research has utilized waste materials to add value and build an environment in the community. By using participatory work processes, consisting of 1) Resource exploration 2) Review of physical and mechanical properties of Nypa fruticans waste blocks before application and product development 3) Tool development 4) Design of an eco-friendly pavilion, and 5) Development and construction of an eco-friendly pavilion, 6) The expansion of the eco-friendly pavilion. As a result, the eco-friendly pavilion has turned the area into a learning center in the community as it provides space for exhibitions, knowledge transfer training, and creating an identity for the community. It also promotes knowledge transfer to nearby villages and develops local innovators to transfer knowledge. The budget for waste management in the community has been reduced. Previously, the cost of waste management was 20,000 baht per month, reduced to 8,000 baht per month, accounting for 60% of the original cost reduction. Finally, the constructed pavilion solves the environmental problem and is considered a tool to sustain the local wisdom of "Nypa fruticans" plantation and application of the community.