Opinions about the Establishment of Yaring’s Mangrove Forest as a Study and Educational Resource Center (SERC).

Abstract

The decline in the area of the nation’s mangrove forests is clearly noticeable. Yaring’s Mangrove forest, the richest and biggest mangrove forest in Southern Thailand, is consequently being considered for establishment as the SERC. The base-line data and public opinion regarding an establishment were gathered in Yaring district, Pattani province, Southern Thailand. Stratified random sampling was employed for sample selection. Mailed questionnaires and personal interviews were assigned as a method of data collection. The findings revealed that most of the respondents had a comprehensive knowledge of the forest and agreed that the local community should be involved in its conservation. They displayed positive attitudes towards the establishment of the SERC which provide increased opportunities for people to make short-term visits and to learn more about the importance and benefits of mangrove forests. This implies a positive potential for the establishment of SERC in the near future.