HEART OF THE KUANKRENG SWAMP: A BUDDHIST-LED JOURNEY TOWARD SUSTAINABLE FOREST STEWARDSHIP

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The Kuankreng Peat Swamp Forest (KPSF) in Southern Thailand is a vital social-ecological system providing critical ecosystem services. However, it faces severe threats from recurring wildfires and land degradation, often driven by a disconnect between human ethics and nature. This study aimed to examine the current environmental conditions, ecological benefits, and factors contributing to environmental degradation in KPSF; To assess existing environmental education learning frameworks and community awareness related to KPSF management; To develop the DHAMMA-EE Model by integrating Buddhist principles with environmental conservation practices; and To evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the model.

Methodology: This research employed a participatory mixed-methods design conducted across three provinces: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla. To address the first two objectives, a situational analysis was performed through a quantitative survey of 400 residents, using proportional stratified random sampling to identify degradation factors and current awareness levels. Qualitative data were gathered via in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 53 purposively selected community leaders and ecological experts to evaluate existing educational frameworks. For the third objective, the DHAMMA-EE Model was synthesized by integrating the "B-EE Process" with core Buddhist tenets, specifically Paticcasamuppada (Dependent Origination), Tilakkhaṇa (Three Characteristics), and Tisikkhā (Threefold Learning). Finally, the fourth objective was fulfilled by implementing the model through community workshops and evaluating its effectiveness using the Kirkpatrick Evaluation Framework, which measured four levels: Reaction, Learning, Behavior, and Results (Public Benefit).

Main Results: The findings demonstrated that the DHAMMA-EE Model significantly facilitated "Environmental Actualization" among participants. By anchoring environmental education in the principles of Dependent Origination, Three Characteristics, and Threefold Learning, the model successfully shifted stakeholder mindsets from anthropocentric consumption to social-ecological interdependency. Quantitatively, the evaluation showed exceptionally high scores across all Kirkpatrick dimensions. Participants demonstrated a profound increase in cognitive understanding of peat swamp ecology ( = 8.04), while the behavioral assessment revealed a proactive commitment to wildfire prevention and sustainable harvesting. Most notably, the model empowered the community to initiate 20 local stewardship projects. The "Public Benefit" score ( = 8.02) confirmed that the integration of Buddhist ethics fostered a sense of "Local Dignity" and self-reliance, creating a resilient social-ecological harmony that transcends conventional top-down management approaches.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: This research is categorized under Applied Buddhism, particularly Buddhism and sustainable development, as it demonstrates the application of Buddhist wisdom to address modern environmental crises. Specifically, the development of the DHAMMA-EE Model serves as a Buddhist innovation in the form of process and method development for ecological preservation. Furthermore, the study aligns with Buddhism and sustainable development by integrating the principles of Dependent Origination, Three Characteristics, and Threefold Learning to foster long-term environmental stewardship within the KPSF. By addressing spiritual causes through mindful discipline, this integration shifts behavior toward a compassionate, interdependent relationship with nature.

Conclusions: The DHAMMA-EE Model proves to be a robust and culturally resonant framework for environmental management in Buddhist-majority contexts. Unlike standard educational programs that focus solely on information transfer, this model facilitates an internal transformation, a "Heart-centered" journey, that leads to sustainable collective action. The research concludes that for the KPSF to survive and thrive, management strategies must move beyond biophysical conservation to include the spiritual and ethical dimensions of the human spirit. The DHAMMA-EE Model offers a scalable and adaptable pathway for other threatened ecosystems, demonstrating that when environmental stewardship is rooted in ancient wisdom, it provides a powerful catalyst for modern ecological restoration and social well-being.