Biosphere: Upgrading Learning Ecosystem of Pakphun City (Umong Kongkang) for the Sustainable Natural Resource Management

Abstract

The mangrove tunnel area is located in Pak Phun subdistrict and is a part of the mangrove ecosystem, which is characterized by a rich and mutually supportive biosphere. It also serves as an important ecological learning resource for those interested. The local community in Pak Phun has long utilized the area's resources, and this is coupled with a focus on the management of the learning ecosystem by local administrators. This management aims to foster sustainable learning and resource utilization. Consequently, the research team aimed to study develop a management model for the learning ecosystem within the mangrove tunnel area of Pak Phun Municipality, Pak Phun subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The research was qualitative and participatory action research by utilizing the concepts of the biosphere, learning ecosystems, and foundational theories in natural resource and environmental management as the research framework. The research area was the mangrove tunnel in Pak Phun subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The key informants consisted of seventy participants, including municipal administrators and staff from Pak Phun Municipality, representatives from local administrative organizations, representatives from community educational institutions, and community representatives. They were selected by purposive sampling. The instrument for collecting data was two types: 1) in-depth interviews and 2) focus group discussions. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The research results were found as the development of a management model for the learning ecosystem should include the identification of its components. These components encompassed the learning ecosystem area within the mangrove tunnel, the knowledge derived from the mangrove area, learning activities/projects in conjunction with the urban development plan of Pak Phun Municipality, learning managers, and the objectives of the outcomes from each learning activity/project.

The development of a management model for the learning ecosystem of the mangrove tunnel area can be carried out through the LLKP model, which consists of four key components: 1) Learning Space (L), 2) Learning Activities/Projects (L), 3) Knowledge Manager (K), and 4) Project Objective (P). This model supports interdisciplinary learning, fostering the development of users' knowledge and skills. The integrated approach facilitates effective learning for users, underpinned by a participatory process that encourages collaborative involvement.