Narratives : Biodiversity and Culture in Kalasin Municipal Communities

Sopee Untaya

Abstract

This article aims to study biodiversity and culture from narratives of people in Kalasin municipal communities by retrieving related historical tales of the communities and interviewing villagers in 38 communities.  Concepts of local history, narratives and biodiversity and culture were applied. Results indicated that communities in Kalasin municipality have had biodiversity in forms of ethnic diversity, as well as plant and animal species diversity so that these areas are fertile. In addition, cultural diversity represents through the harmonization of spiritual, Buddhist, traditional Chinese and other religious beliefs, that leads to adaptation of each other, which is a crucial factor for urban expansion of Kalasin city. This study can be a guideline for policy making in urban expansion planning in order to serve future prosperity of the  communities.