Abstract:

There are 36 hotspots identified worldwide now and at each hotspot, a key biodiversity areas (KBAs) orsites of global significance for biodiversity conservation were identified to provide essential “watch lists” of site to help set national priority within the global context. Thailand, one of the most biodiversity-rich countries located within two major biogeographical regions – the Indochinese region in the north and the Sundiac region in the south, falls mainly in Indo-Burma hotspot and partly Sundaland hotspot in the southernmost part of the country. There are 113 KBAs assigned all over the country and some of these are coastal areas including Pattani bay, a semi-enclosed 55 km2 coastal habitat in southern Tahiland. The bay is known for its biological richness and heavily utilized by many stakeholders including fisherman, industrial sector, aquaculture sector, tourist and others. A new approach for comanagement and utilization of the bay has been introduced by mean of a multidisciplinary integrated area - based study from several disciplines. The main objective is in order to know the bay scientifically, wise use for a security, wealthy and sustainability of community. Four strategic plans have been conducted including (1) creating basic knowledge of economically and environmentally important species in the bay, (2) developing model of resources utilization for aquaculture, increasing productivity and promoting ecotourism, (3) establishing updated and accurate database and implementation of information technology application for management purposes, and (4) creating awareness and community participation in conservation, rehabilitation and management. Additionally, a microhabitat is set and co-management approach has been utilized by several stakeholders and the result is highly satisfied.

(Host faculty : Prof. Wen-Xiong Wang)

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