Aurathai Phongchiewboon

Citation

Thesis Title
Livelihood Strategies and Environmental Management Practices in Northern Thailand National Parks Communities

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Ms Phongchiewboon explored the livelihood strategies and environmental management practices employed by Indigenous hill tribe communities living in Northern Thailand's national parks. She used participatory rural appraisal methods, including interviews, observations and document analysis to investigate how Indigenous communities have adapted their livelihood strategies in response to the opportunities and constraints presented by national park policy, management, and development interventions. Her research found that the livelihood strategies of the Indigenous hill tribe communities encompass a diverse combination of activities and social relationships to ensure sustained socio-economic well-being. However, while there has been some consultation and co-management, there is a need for greater consistency, transparency and collaboration in policy-making and implementation. She argued that greater community empowerment and participation in conservation activities and policy-making is needed to enable the development of adaptive co-management and achieve more sustainable livelihoods and more effective national park management.

Supervisors
Associate Professor Trisia Farrelly
Professor John Holland
Dr Karen Hytten