Final Report

on

Sustainable Development of Small-Scale Fisherfolk On the Andaman Sea Coast of 1995 - 1999

of

Yadfon Association In Co-operation with CESVI Supported by the European Commission

Prepared by

Asst. Prof. Nipon Jaipleum Ms. Praneet Thongpan Rajamangala Institute of Technology, NakhonSithammarat Campus

Mrs. Atchara Jaipleum Tungsong Witthaya School

Yadfon Association 16/4 Rakchan Rd., Muang District, Trang 92000 Tel : (075) 214737 Fax : (075) 219327 E-mail : [email protected]

CONTENT

Preface ii Abstract iii Chapter I Overview 1-4 Chapter II Projects / Activities 5-12 Chapter III Impact of Operation 13-14 Chapter IV Problems and Recommendations 15-16 Annex 1. Summary of “A Preliminary Study on Sustainable Management of Meretrix lusoria in Five villages, Trang. 2. Paradise Regained. 3. A Raindrop Cleans the Wetlands. 4. Environmental and Natural Resource Management of Non-governmental Organization : A Case Study of Yadfon Association, Changwat Trang. 5. An Analysis of Co Management Arrangements : A Case of Fishing Community in Southern Thailand. 6. The Implementation of Community Mangrove Forest Extension and Development In .

i PREFACE

The project report on Sustainable Development of Small-Scale Fisherfolk on the Andaman Sea Coast of Thailand is the results of the monitoring and evaluation of the academic team iniciated by Yadfon Association to the local academic institutions. It aims to achieve good understanding and allow for learning from each others among the local development institutions, Yadfon staff and the fisherfolk. Observation, interview and second hand information review were used for information gathering. The 3rd year project delayed for 4 months of the actual plan due to the longer time consumption for preparation of some project activities as well as the delay caused by unexpected evidences. Although the project implementation delayed, the result showed satisfactory progress such as the improvement of community mangrove forests, increasing in capacity in controlling illegal fishing techniques, growing of saving group and community enterprises as well as the completion of researches for coastal resource management. This can determine that, if Yadfon Association and communities can keep the development moving, the degraded resources will recover and benefit to local fisherfolk along the coast.

July 1999.

ii ABSTRACT

Sustainable Development of Small-scale Fisherfolk on the Andaman Sea Coast of Thailand is a project run by Yadfon Association, a non-governmental organization in Trang, Thailand in cooperation with CESVI, an Italian non-governmental organization and funded by the European Commission. The operation areas cover 3 districts in Trang: Kantang, Yantakoa and Palian. The project aims to strengthen fisherfolk’s capacity to affirm their own right over coastal resources and support sustainable management of coastal resources. Four main action plans include (a) coastal resource management activities e.g. community mangrove forests, oyster conservations and fights against illegal fishing; (b) strengthening community organization activities e.g. women’s group; (c) income-generating activities e.g. saving groups, fish-cage culture; and (d) information dissemination and network expansion e.g. Trang Fisherfolk Club, and Federation of Fisherfolk Club in the South of Thailand. Various types of activities are generated to achieve the goals e.g. small group seminars, workshops, study visits and research work. Some project activities were delayed because of both internal and external limitations. However, much progress can be clearly observed, for example, the establishment of the community mangrove forest, savings group and community small businesses and the strong cooperation among fishing communities. Many communities show the evidence of self-reliance and the capacity in sustainable management of the coastal resources. The awareness of the fisherfolk in conservation work is clearly observed.

iii CHAPTER I OVERVIEW

Yadfon Association, a Thai non-governmental organization based in Trang Province, the South of Thailand has worked with local fisherfolk to support their development efforts and sustainable coastal resource management. Yadfon realizes that the degradation of coastal resources has impact not only on the environment and ecology, but also on the fisherfloks’ lives and livelihood. Yadfon believes that if the natural resources have been managed in proper ways, they will be recovered. The more fertile resources such as mangrove forests and aqua animals will lead to betterlife of the local fisherfolks due to their higher income. More abundant coastal resources and sufficient income will raise their awareness in the importance of sustainable coastal resource management. This is considerably important as the initiation in cooperation among local people and other communities and organizations will be initiated.

Natural resource conservation / sustainable management

Realization in Rehabilitated and the importance of more fertiled resources resources

better quality more food / of life sufficient income

Fig. 1 Concept in sustainable coastal resource management

Yadfon also believes that the most efficient way in managing coastal resources is that local communities exercise their own rights over the local natural resources. The success of their work arises from the cooperation among various parties, for instance, concerned authorities, non-governmental organizations, academics, businessmen and other interested parties including mass medias. The work of Yadfon is emphasized on the establishment of local organizations and strengthening the existing organizations. In order to achieve the ultimate goal, the learning processes, the capability of community leaders in handling the problems in their own communities property as well as networking and consolidations in various levels are essential.

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Supports of learning Strong community process to communities organization

Coastal resource sustainable Self-reliant in management / related activities local community

Public Mass sectors Local medias communities Networks in various levels Private Academic sectors NGOs

(Knowledge companions)

Fig.2 Concept in cooperation among various parties in sustainable development support

Thus, the emphasis of Yadfon’s work is placed on generating the learning processes to local communities to empower and strengthen local communities. It also urge the communities to expand the cooperation and gain supports through networks. It also hopes that the knowledge and experience gained will be applied to solve any problems and disputes properly. Attention is also paid on raising the awareness of local communities in exercise their rights over local resources according to the constitution as it can assure the equitable sharing of natural assets. Yadfon notice that local coastal communities had confronted several environmental, economics and social problems. People have more sufferings from insufficient income; more and more people leave their hometown and find jobs in different towns. Having realized that there is an urgent need to help solving these problems, in 1995 Yadfon initiated the “Sustainable Development Small-scale Fisherflok on the Andaman Sea coast of Thailand.” This project is the cooperation with CESVI, an Italian non-governmental organization with the financial support from the European Commission. The project lasts for 3 years and operates in 3 districts of Trang; Kantang, Yantakao and Palian. It aims to empower local coastal communities so that they will become more self-reliant. The more secure life of the fisherfolks will ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.

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Objectives

1. To generate learning processes to coastal communities The knowledge about natural conservation and sustainable management will lead to the cooperation within communities and among neighboring communities in protecting the local resources and the realization of their rights on the local resources.

2. To support income-generating activities Yadfon supports any activities that will generate income from resource specific to each village, based on self-reliance and sustainable management of coastal resources including mangrove forests, fish, shrimp, crab and shellfish.

3. To support the establishment of local organizations The knowledge and experience gained from working natural resource conservation activities will be applied in solving any problems in their own communities in the appropriate ways. This will lead to stronger people’s organizations

4. To support the expansion of networking and consolidation within the communities and among other communities To depend solely on their own is not the efficient way in managing and solving the community problems, it is significantly important to gain the support from public and other organizations. The establishment of cooperation and networks in various levels will strengthen the capability of the communities.

The projects To achieve the goals, Yadfon has undertaken its work under four main projects:- 1. Projects on Coastal Resource Conservation 2. Projects on Strengthening Community Organization and its network 3. Projects on Income generations 4. Projects on Information Distribution and International Networking

Under these four projects, various activities have been designed and operated. The details and aspects of activities depend on specific resources in each community and their capabilities, for example, sea grass conservation, oyster conservation and fish-cage culture. Moreover, seminars, workshops and study visits have been organized to exchange ideas and experience. Thus, Yadfon’s work is not only focused on the natural resource conservation and sustainable management, but also on the human development.

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Activities There are various types of activities that have been undertaken:-

1. Small group discussions To strengthen community leaders and people’s organizations in coastal fishing villages by facilitating and promoting group discussions with communities and among neighboring villages. 2. Seminars and Workshops. To organize seminars and workshops related to local coastal resources and fisherfolk issues amongst coastal communities, and other interested parties.

3. Study Visits. To facilitate visits for the coastal fishing communities to other organizations so that they can gain from the exchange of experience and ideas.

4. Community Mangrove Forest Activities To support the establishment of community mangrove forests, and the protection of coastal habitats e.g. coral reefs and seagrasses.

5. Activities against Illegal Fishing's Practices. To support artisanal fisher’s efforts to manage their traditional fishing grounds and control the illegal fishing gears.

6. Income-generating Activities To support community economic activities such as seafood processing, grouper aquaculture, handicraft production and saving groups.

7. Participatory Action Researches To undertake participatory action research (PAR) on The preliminary research on Meretrix sp. Management.

8. Strengthening Community Organization Activities To strengthen the Small Fihsers Club and it’s network in Trang province to voice for their concern, advocate their rights, establish closer cooperation and organize grassroots development activities.

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CHAPTER II PROJECTS / ACTIVITIES

The activities undertaken in the last three years have fulfill the ultimate goals, to strengthen the community organization, to support sustainable coastal resource management and to provide food security to local coastal communities, have been achieved. There are three aspects to be discussed in this paper : 1. Operation areas 2. Working Strategies and the progress of work 3. Organizational Management

1. Operation areas In previous years, Yadfon Association had operated their mission within three main areas : A : Ban Laem Ban koh Kiam, B : Koh Sukorn (Pig Island) Ban Taseh, Hadd Samran Subdistrict C : Ban Tung Taseh, Yantakao Banlipang, Ban Taklong, and Ban Tung Panan, Palian However, in l998, three Yadfon staff had resigned, the areas that these people had been in charge of, that is, Ban Lipang, Ban Taklong and Ban Tung Panan, , had been left aside. Therefore, there were no progress at all in these areas after the resignation of Yadfon staff. Another reason is the geographical problem. Each village in this area is located scatterly in quite a long distance and it is difficult for Yadfon staff to visit the operation sites. In other words, the transportation is inconvenient to travel back and forth. Furthermore, the social situations are unstable; some community members do illegal fishing, and the community leaders lack the motivation in conservation activities. As there are several conditions that obstruct the work, the operation in this area has been put in a low profile. Yadfon may consider to return its work there if the situations change. In mid of l998, Yadfon has got two new staff so the operation areas has been slightly changed to Ban Hin Kok Kwai, Ban Hua Kuan and Ban Pruyai as these villages are close to the operation areas like Ban Laem and Ban Tung Taseh. Therefore, it is easier to initiate new projects and run the activities corresponding to the activities in other villages. (Table 1) Table 1 Operation Areas of Yadfon in l998 -1999. Area Main Villages Minor Villages New Villages A Ban Laem Ban Koh Kiam Ban Wang Won Ban Tung Prai B Ban Siem Mai Ban Taseh, Ban Tung, Pikultong -- Ban Laem, Tung Ruangtong C Ban Tungtaseh Ban Taklong Ban Hin Kokkwai Ban Lipang Ban Hua Kuan Ban Tung Panan Ban Pru Yai

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2. Working Strategies and the Progress of Work In the third year, 4 main working plans have been taken into account and the progress of each project can be detailed as follows :-

2.1 Coastal Resources Conservation Plan Projects /activities that have been done include

2.1.1 Community Mangrove Forests With the cooperation among various parties such as Department of Royal Forestry, Forestry Regional Office, Trang Provincial Office, RECOFTC, including Yadfon and the local communities, there are three new community forests established in the project areas. At present, there are 10 community mangrove forests covering the areas of about 6,000 rai in Trang. Moreover, three out of these were recognized and published into leaflets by Department of Royal Forestry to campaign for the new community forests throughout the country (Table 2)

Table 2 Community Mangrove Forests in Trang

Location Coverint Area (Rai) Date of Establishment (year) Ban Tung Tong 587 1989 Ban Laem Makam 200 1990 Ban Hua Hin 500 1990 Ban Pak Klong 80 1990 Ban Modtanoi 700 1992 Ban Pra Muang 1,650 1993 Ban Tung Taseh 2,000 1997 Ban Taseh 500 1997 Ban Laem 60 1998 Ban Hua Kuan 150 1999 Total 6,227

Approximately 4,500 nypa palms, and 8,000 rhizophora were planted in Ban Tung Taseh community mangrove forest during 1998 - 1999. The survival rates of these trees are quite high and the abundance of the forest can be recognized. Furthermore, the mangrove rehabilitation leads to the awareness of local villagers. The success of the activity can clearly be observed from the participations of local community members. We can conclude that community mangrove forests give contributions to local people in many ways :- 1. the fertility of coastal resources 2. the security of food and income 3. mangrove forest network and cooperative work with various parties.

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2.1.2 Oyster Conservation. This activity has been done only in Ban Laem. This is the third year of the operation,. The oysters were caught in April, 1999 and the income received was 15,700 baht, less than last year (22,642 baht). This is because this year (1999) the oysters were caught one day only (on 30 April, 1999) while last year, the oysters were caught 3 days. The oysters caught last year was very high and the oyster conservation committee would like to keep the stock rate higher.

Table 3 Income and Expenses from Oyster Harvesting at Ban Leam, Kantang district, Trang in April, l999.

Items Amount 1. Number of Oyster caught - Big size 2,012 oysters - Medium size 5,632 oysters - Small size 466 oysters Total 8,110 oysters 2. Income (from selling oysters) 34,960 baht 3. Expenses (Wages for harvesting) 19,260 baht 4. Net income 15,700 baht

2.1.3 Meretrix sp. (Hoi Pa) Conservation. This project was initiated in Ban Laem in late l998. After the seminar on “The Preliminary study on Meretrix sp. Sustainable Management in May l999, Ban Hua Kuan and Ban Hin Kok Kwai participated in this activity as the local community members realize the exploitation of the clams. At present, Ban Hin Kok Kwai declared Meretrix sp. conservation zone covering the area of 3 km2. Yadfon gave financial support to the community in form of buoys for marking the conservation zone. Now the community members are waiting for the sign- board declaring the conservation zone, supporting by Department of Environmental Quality Promotion.

2.1.4 Herbal Plants. The project has been done in 2 villages, Ban Tung Taseh and Ban Taseh to raise the awareness of the importance of herbal plants and local wisdom. Village representatives participated the training once at RIT Nakhon Sri Thammarat Campus. The development to initiate community business on herbal plant products is under processed. In l998, as a result of the cooperation work with communities, Sirindhon Public Health College and Yadfon staff, the book titled “Herbal Plants in Mangrove Forests” was published. The books have been distributed to schools, institutions, NGOs and local communities as a source of information.

2.1.5 Illegal Fishing Protection. This is the main activity that Yadfon Association has been working closely together with the coastal communities since l985. In the previous year, Yadfon together with Trang Fisherfolk Club and The Fisherfolk Federation in the South of Thailand have fought strongly against illegal fishing. This year they confront a serious problem about light-lour anchovy fishing boats as the size of the net mess is so small that no young fish

7 or marine animals can escape. This kind of fishing is the real devastation for all marine animals and if no action is taken as soon as possible, the number of marine animals will be dramatically decreased in few years. Village leaders in Hadsamran had seized 10 push net boats this year. Now there are only 2 push net boats, which belong to the influential villagers, still in operation. But with the strong support from the province, village leaders can get rid of them soon.

2.2 Strengthening Community Organization Plan This plan aims to strengthen and develop the capacity of community organizations so that they learn how to analyze and solve their own problems properly. Hopefully, they can perceive the threats that can cause the degradation of natural resources and the conflicts or problems to their communities, for examples. the development plan in terms of infrastructure, constructions. In some villages, an assemble was established and the meetings have been held regularly.

2.3 Increasing Community Potential Plan The purpose of this plan is to develop the ability of community leaders and representatives so that they can initiate and run any activities on their own. They will gain more knowledge, skills and experience in generating any projects that can lead to Self-reliance, for instance, income-generating activities.

2.3.1 Study Visits, Seminars and Workshops. Many study visits have been operated in the previous years. In October 1998, women’s groups had visited RIT Nakhon Si Thammarat Campus for food- processing training. In January, 1999, 130 Women’s, leaders from 13 villages joined in a seminar to discuss the rights and roles of women as well as equality. In addition, they focused on the roles of women in supporting various activities involving economic, Social and environmental community. Besides, Yadfon Association provided seminars on mangrove forest and illegal fishing protection to encourage the community leaders and representatives to review their weakness and strength of their previous work. With this kind of knowledge and experience, it is hoped to prepare better plans for the future. In the last few previous years,Yadfon has undertaken seminars on community mangrove forest management and community-based coastal resource management to local communities with the specialists supported from RECOFTC. Moreover, Yadfon working closely with Trang Provincial Officials and several authorities concerned held a seminar on "Participation of People in Coastal Resource Management" in March 1999. 512 participants included the officials from Trang Provincial Office, Trang Fishery Office and Department of Environmental Quality Promotion Department of Fihseries and the village representatives from 54 villages, 3 districts and 1 subdistrict. The morning session was the panel discussion on "Provincial Policy on Coastal Resource Management" by Trang Governor emphasizing on the cooperation among three parties; governmental officials, communities, and NGOs. It is the communities who should initiate and run the activities and other parties will provide the support. The approach Yadfon applied has proved to be a suitable way in managing coastal resources. The afternoon session focused on "Managing Coastal Resources by Local Communities". The speakers included Trang Governor, Pisit Chansanoh, head of

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Trang Fishery Office, an academic from the local institution, Chairperson of Small-scale Fisherfolk Club of Trang. They discussed the problems and proposed suggestions on the possible solutions. In the end of the seminar, the participants were appointed to be the marine patrol assistants working with the officers. In March l999, a group of village leaders, and representative were taken a trip to the North of Thailand to visit many places such as Saving Groups. Women’s Group in Chainat Province and Organic gardening in Supanburi province. After the visit, the participants show the positive attitude in Conservation and some social activities e.g. saving groups and community shops.

2.3.2 Researches and Studies Three Studies had been undertaken in l998 - l999. These include “A Preliminary Study on Meretrix sp. sustainable Management”, “Social Behaviors on Resource Conservation” and “Indirect Achievement after oyster Conservation”. The participatory action research (PAR) had been applied for all these studies. Since the local people took part in the studies, they gain the knowledge about scientific way of study and recognize the importance of natural Conservation. The result of the Studies has great impact on their attitudes and practices. Yadfon also supported five villages to study the biodiversity in mangrove forests in order to raise the awareness in natural Conservation and sustainable use.

2.3.3 Economical Activities. There were several activities involving income-generating. These include:-

1. Saving Groups. Most villages had the saving groups before, however, they were not able to run the groups Successfully. This may be due to the lack of experience in management. Yadfon staff encourage the community members to reinitiate the saving groups. By holding small group meetings regularly and study visits, many villages have introduced the saving groups to their communities. In previous year, at least three villages can run their saving groups successfully. Ban laem saving group is a good example. The group started with 11 members with 50 baht/share. The group will offer loans to the members after 3 years of operation. As the profit and interest are against the religious doctrines, an expert in Muslim banks was invited to give an advice. After that, the group has gained more support from the community. Now, there are 91 members with 132 shares and the amount of saving is about 40,000 baht. In Ban laem, the saving group has started community business. By selling cheaper rice to their members, the group can earn good profit, and they plan to sell more kinds of goods. However as the group is growing bigger, they face the problem in book-keeping, so a plan to provide training for the staff is considered. At present, the group plans to build their permanent office. One villages donated the land for locating the building. Yadfon supported the materials at the amount of 28,500 baht, Ban Tung Taseh offered timber for construction while the labors were the villagers. It is noticed that many villagers donated some money to cover the construction expenses. Owing to the success of Ban laem saving group, the group staff have been invited to exchange their experience to their neighbors regularly. It is expected that more saving groups in several villages will be founded

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2. Food Processing. Due to the excessive number of Meretrix sp. (Hoipa) that have been harvested, the women’s group Ban Laem initiated the plan to process the clams to add value to the clams and to generate supplementary income to their families. Many traditional methods in preserving the clams had been tried out, but the outcome was not satisfied. The best way to preserve the clams is to dehydrate (ovendry) the clams. At present, Yadfon bought an oven and gave it to the women’s group at Ban Laem so that they can try and find out the appropriate method of processing the clams. The Women’s group at Ban Tung Taseh has run a business on selling curry paste and roasted peanuts. The business runs quite well. At present, the group try to develop the processing quality so that they can get the standard certificate from the Office of Food and Drugs. The women’s group at Ban Hua Kuan initiated the bamboo shoot processing business last few months. However, the quality of the products is not good enough. The business is under developed.

3. Fish-caged Culture. The activity has been done in Ban Laem. In early l998, 10 fishermen were given 5,000 baht each to start the activity. Until now, only one has not yet keeping the fish in the cage, however, he eventually chose to raise the oysters. In the first 6 months, the activity seemed to run quite well. The members sold their fish and return some money to the fish-cage committee. As a result, the Informal Education Department offered a loan to other 10 fishermen to start their fish - cages. However in the last few months, the price of the fish was lower (from 300-400 baht to 200-250 baht/kg.) and the demand of the market decreased. So, no fish has been caught to the market. The fishermen expect to get the better price in the next few months so that they can earn more profit and pay the loan back to the group soon. So far, the Committee got about 5,000 back from the members. Hopefully, when the price of this fish is higher, they can get all money back. Actually this activity aims to strengthen the community members to be more self-reliant. The result showed that they learn how to run their small business quite well and it is hoped that they can apply their experience to solve the marketing problem soon.

2.3.4 Public Facilities Ban Koh Kiam has faced the problem of water shortage for more than 20 years. Attempts have been done Seriously to solve the Community problem. With the support of Yadfon Association, the actions have been taken and the problem had been proposed to the concerned authority. In late l999, the water supply project was approved and now the water-supply system has been installed.

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2.4 Knowledge Generating and Network Extension

2.4.1 School Network in Natural Conservation In March l999, a school camp was arranged and taken place in Ban Tung Taseh Schoolchildren from 5 villages nearby, seven from each village, joined this activity. The activity was focused on mangrove forests and herbal plants. It was well supported from various groups such as village representatives, teachers, and parents. This activity was also participated by Trang Youth Club representatives and students from Kasetsart University, Bangkok. All participants helped to make signboards and put these signboards to name the herbal plants and their uses in the mangrove forest.

2.4.2 Cooperation with Mass Medias. In the past year, Yadfon Association gave support to several documentary producers throughout the entire year. These include “Suptaisai” (Treasures under the Sand), a documentary on Meretrix sp. conversation at Ban Laem, filmed by "Tung Sang Tawan" producer, broadcasted on channel 3, and “Lan Ban Lan Muang”, a talk show to support the strength of community organizations. The discussion was focused on illegal fishing, particularly the urgent issue on anchovy trawlers and the participants included Pisit Chansanoh, Chairperson of Small-scale fisherfolk Club of Trang, and village representatives from local coastal communities. In addition, Yadfon takes part in many local radio programs on coastal resource conservation by produced by coastal communities.

2.4.3 Cooperation with Public and Private Sectors The success of Yadfon work results from the cooperation with various parties. These include Department of Royal Forestry, Trang Forestry Regional Office, Local schools and Colleges, Public Health College, Nursing College, RIT Nakhon Si Thammarat Campus, Prince of Songkhla University, RECOFTC, and ISUZU Group Foundation. It also co-works closely with local community organizations, for example, Trang Assembly and Trang Fisherfolk Club. Moreover, there have been several groups of people visit Yadfon due to the success of their work in order to learn and understand about Yadfon’s conceptual framework, its operation and strategies.

3. Organizational Administration The improvement of organizational administration can be observed. In this year (l998 - l999), Yadfon has clear personal structure, duties and responsibilities. The relationships and Communication among staff are also better. Action plans have been adjusted to suit the real situations. Moreover, more staff are employed to meet the demand of Yadfon’s work. Thus, in general, the organizational administration within Yadfon is well developed, and the better outcome of their work can be expected in the following years. One problem that Yadfon has still faced is the filing systems. Although there are achievements that can be recognized by public. But Yadfon always has hard time in preparing well documented paper. Yadfon needs to train the staff in literary skills. Moreover, the insufficient experience of social workers remains the big problem for NGOs like Yadfon. The NGOs staff always change their jobs quite often. This may

11 be due to the dissatisfaction of the work conditions, admistration problem or the wrong perception of NGO's work. Yadfon tries to solve the recruiting problem by screening the applicants carefully and providing training for the new staff. it is likely that new staff have insufficient experience in handling the hard and complicated work.

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CHAPTER III IMPACT OF OPERATION

During the three year project, the operation has influences in many areas:-

1. Recognition and Implementation of Community-based Coastal Resource Management. During the whole period of the project, the coastal communities have actually participated in managing their local resources. More and more community mangrove forests have been established. Some communities that enjoy the experience of rehabilitating their mangrove forests recognize the importance of community forests and start their actions to establish their own community forests. In addition, the Department of Royal Forestry has published the leaflets on the success of community forests by the communities under the support of Yadfon. These include Ban Tung Thong, Ban Hua Hin and Ban Modtanoi.

2. Establishment of Coastal Fisherfolk Organizations As a consequence of the strengthening communities’ capability, the destructive fishing practices have been reduced and the fisherfolk organizations, Small-scale Fisherfolk Club of Trang and Small-scale Fisherfolk Federation of Southern Thailand, have been founded. Through these organizations, the fisherflok can voice their suffer and problems to concerned authorities and draw the public interests to obtain broadly support. In this way, the governmental policy and the bills related to coastal resource management, for example, Community Forest Bill, have been pushed into practice.

3. Recognition of the Approach in Community Mangrove Forests and Other Coastal Resource Conservation The approach in allowing local people to manage their own resources confirms the capability of local people and this success causes the authorities concerned to implement this strategy to other communities. At present, there is a declaration of seagrass conservation zones in four areas of Trang Province and the declaration of strictly prohibited zones for illegal fishing practices. Moreover, more illegal fishing gears are put on the list.

4. Visits from Interested Parties to Exchange the Experience with Yadfon The success of Yadfon operation is recognized by many institutions. This is evidenced from several visits throughout the last few previous years. Not only the local institutions like Prince of songkhla University, and Mahidol University, but also the institutions abroad. Many studies about Yadfon’s operational strategy have released, for instance, “Co-Fisheries Management at Ban Laem Makam by NACA: The ICIAM” and Prince of Songkhla University and “Natural Resource and Environmental Management by Yadfon Association” by Prince of Songkhla University. In addition, the work of Yadfon was written in “ Sawasdee”, an inflight magazine of Thai Airways.

5. Regional and International Cooperation

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Seminars and workshops and exchange of experience on community-based coastal resource management have been held throughout the project period. The participants and visitors are not only the local community members, but also those from overseas such as Vietnam, Loas, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, as well as, Africa, Europe and Americas. The network on mangrove forests, Mangrove Action Project (MAP) and International Shrimp Action Network has been established.

6. Initiation of Establishing Traditional Coastal Resource Management Institute. Yadfon Association has worked with small scale fisherfolk in Trang and other provinces in Thailand over a decade. During this period Yadfon has learned from other organizations, individuals particularly the local fisherfolk. Yadfon appreciates the “local wisdom”, in coastal resource management. There are many successful cases in Thailand and neighbourings countries. Yadfon is planning to establish the “Traditional Sustainable Coastal Resource Management Institute” which will bring local wisdoms from Asian countries to exchange their experience in this area.

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CHAPTER IV PROBLEMS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Although all Yadfon staff work very hard and try to improve their work in many aspects, for example, more clear action plans, more achievement in activities, and improvement of staff capability, some problems still remain:-

1. Some activities have not been undertaken and some have been delayed. This may result from the planning at the beginning of Year 2 (l997). That is, some activities do not represent the real need of local people and in some activities the local community members are not ready to run them. For example, fish-caged culture at Kok Sukorn cannot be initiated due to the inappropriateness of the location. Only few activities have been undertaken in Ban Lipang, Ban Tung Panan, Ban Taklong (Lipang), Ban Taklong (Susoh), Ban Pikunthong, and Ban Tungruangthong because of local politics. This may be due to the lack of Yadfon staff experience for these villages and no strong community leaders and community representatives. The local political disputes also contribute to an obstacles of Yadfon's work. Any activities initiated in these villages lack support from community leaders as well as community members and if Yadfon staff try to continue their work, it may lead to a conflict with the community members. The delay of community business, such as food - processing, herbal products and saving groups may be caused by the lack of knowledge and experience of Yadfon staff in specific field. Moreover it is important to make sure that group members understand the advantages of group work and have public mind. Another problem resulting from Yadfon staff is that they cannot keep on working in the operation area continuously due to a large number of unscheduled plans. Yadfon staff failed to encourage the local people to undertake their activities continuously. There are many urgent work that Yadfon staff need to take part and put them into action, for instance, the anchovy fishing problem.

2. The enforcement of law is not efficient enough. Like the previous years, the illegal fishing gears are still roaming the sea as the punishment according to the law is not strong enough and it also involves the local politicians or powerful people. In addition, the community forest bill is underprocessed. So no clear policy in natural resource management and the rights of local people over the natural resources.

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Recommendations

1. About the Action Plans

1.1 A review of Community Study Community study, both for the old operational villages and new villages, should be implemented to understand the potential of local people, the existing resources and the requirements of people. SWOT can be an approach in analyzing the strength, weakness, opportunities and threats of the communities with the information obtained. appropriate action plans and activities will be taken place.

1.2 Appropriate Action Plans Clear and appropriate action plans to run any activities throughout the year are very important. This can be flexible if there are any unscheduled activities, however, the action plans will be framed the work to achieve the goals.

1.3 Flexibility of Time Framework and Budget Spending Since Yadfon Association is well-known to public owing to the success of their work, there have been several groups of people and institutions paying visits throughout the entire year. Time has spent on welcoming, discussing and exchanging experiences with these groups, so some activities cannot be completed according to the plans. In terms of the budget, it is important to spend the money on each activity wisely. That is, money should be spent whenever the local community leaders and members realize the importance of the activities and the benefits that they will gain. Quality outcomes with respect to learning processes, body of knowledge and strong public mind should be the priority. Therefore, more flexibility on time frame work and budget spending should be taken into consideration.

2. The Enforcement of Law

It is necessary that NGOs should co-work closely with community organizations, as well as other parties, to push some acts or law reforms concerning the rights of local communities over the natural resources into action as soon as possible. This is to ensure that community rights have been protected. Campaigning to raise the awareness of public on natural conservation and sustainable use is also important. This should be done continuously to gain the support broadly.

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ANNEX 1

Summary of “A Preliminary Study on Sustainable Management of Meretrix lusoria in Five villages, Trang.

ANNEX 2

Paradise Regained.

ANNEX 3

A Raindrop Cleans the Wetlands.

ANNEX 4

Environmental and Natural Resource Management of Non-governmental Organization : A Case Study of Yadfon Association, Changwat Trang.

ANNEX 5

An Analysis of Co-Management Arrangements : A Case of Fishing Community in Southern Thailand.

ANNEX 6

The Implementation of Community Mangrove Forest Extension and Development In Trang Province.

ABSTRACT

In 1961, Thailand occupied 2,299,375 rai of mangrove forests. However, these forests were being destroyed at an increasing rate. As was the case, apart from inappropriate mangrove forest utilization policy and ineffective law enforcement, economic growth - oriented development led to an exploitation of mangrove forest. Up to 1996, only 1,047,390 rai of mangrove forest remained resulting from 418,736.75 rai of shrimp farming, 55,002.50 rai of the expansion of community along the coast, and 806,670.75 rai of other causes. The remaining mangrove forests largely consist of logging concessing that are in poor condition. This is due to the fact that most concessionaires have been conferred without legal observation. At present, 232 concessions are registered totaling 846,584.62 rai, most of which are located along the Andaman coast. Between 1979-1986 (7 years) the deforestation of mangrove recorded a peak of 567,950 rai. This was due to the “gold rush era” of black tiger prawn farming. Then the deforestation declined party because the booming period of black tiger prawn farming ended and/or the government launched a more effective mangrove forestry policy. Following the severe loss of mangrove forests, the environment and coastal ecosystem were badly disturbed thus bringing fishermen difficult times. Moreover, the widespread use of environmental unfriendly fishing equipment such as push nets, trawling nets, explosives, and other forms of biocide threatened marine life. Local fishermen in several villages in Trang province realized the importance of mangrove forest and thereby carried out sustainable forestry in the form of the so-called “Community Mangrove Forest” by cooperating with all relevant parties, public and private. The first Community Mangrove Forest was introduced in Ban Tungthong, in 1989 with a mangrove forest area totaling 587 rai. This was made possible by the effort of community leaders and later with support from the state. At present, there are 10 forest areas being managed by local fishermen in Trang province, totaling 6,227 rai in Sikao, Kantang, Palien and Yan Takao districts. This not only results in an improved natural environment and biodiversity, but also increases the number of marine organisms caught by fishermen and lowers the cost, as distant fishery is no longer necessary. The strategic movement of Community Mangrove Forest promotes teamwork, strong community organization, democratic decision making, and sets forth appropriate and voluntary monitoring of forest use. This encourages the community to regard the resources as their own and thus protects the nation’s assests without creating a burden on the governments budget. In this manner, the management of mangrove forest fosters stability in the village, and ensures food security for the community and society as a whole. Such management practically coincides with the constitution, provides new knowledge, and effectively urges other areas along Thailand’s sea shore to follow suit. To a certain extent. the recent operation proved to be a community success. The government should strongly promote the importance of the community’s rights to resources management by updating mangrove forest policy, immediately revise mangrove forest concession policy, and speed up the establishment of community forestry laws in order to enable the community to take part in sustainable forestry which the constitution supports. This essentially features another alternative to the survival of Thailand’s forests.