Coastal Resources Institute at Prince of Songkla University, Thailand

Coastal Management in Pak Phanang, an Ecological History

The ecological history of Pak Phanong is a summary and synthesis of data gathered and papers written by the Coastal Resources Institute (CORIN) at the Prince of Songkhla University (PSU). For Thailand, it represents a new approach for how coastal management issues are identified and analyzed. The roots of today’s problems are traced and the technical results of research are combined with the knowledge, perceptions and values of the people who live in Pak Phanong. Involving people who use coastal resources and whose quality of life is affected by ecological and economic changes in Pak Phanong is essential if support is to be mobilized for coastal management. Through the ecological history, PSU faculty and staff, local government representatives and the people of Pak Phanong now share a common view of their history and how the current management issues evolved. They are ready to begin the challenge of working together to solve critical resource management issues. Chapters of the history include: introduction to the region, local climate changes, freshwater concerns, sedimentation of the bay, rice production in trouble, fisheries, economic boom and bust cycles and resource use, and a call for integrated planning. An important document produced by the activity was: Coastal Management in Pak Phanong: A historical perspective of the resources and issues. 1991.