Survey of Local Wisdom in the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under The Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG) at the Rajjaprabha Dam, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand

Abstract

     The study was conducted as part of the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG) and surveyed local wisdom relevant to the Plant Genetic Protection Area of RSPG at the Rajjaprabha Dam, Surat Thani province. The mixed study used: documentary analysis, semi-directive interviews with 11 local villagers who were selected by snowball sampling, and questionnaires were used to survey the local wisdom of 309 representatives of 1,576 households from 5 villages in the Chiewlan Village district municipality. The respondents were selected by stratified and convenience sampling. Finally, a field survey was conducted using a global positioning system to record and count seven plants along five routes in the Plant Genetic Protection Area of RSPG. The seven plants were: wild banana (Musa acuminata Colla), Barringtonia acutangula (L.) Gaertn., Hopea odorata Roxb., Achasma macrocheilos Griff., Gnetum gnemon, Calamus longisetus Griff., and Korthalsia scortechinii Becc. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods, and triangulation was used with all the collected data to prove the reliability and to find relationships. The results were then interpreted. The study found that the local wisdom in the study area could be sorted into five types: cultural wisdom, wisdom on Thai medicine, wisdom on living with nature, wisdom on local funds and local businesses, and local wisdom on natural resources and environmental conservation. The research results also showed that some aspects of local wisdom are now fading from the memories and practices of the present generation. Consequently, action should be taken to preserve local wisdom for as long as possible.