THE POLICY FRAMEWORKS AND DATA COLLECTION ON CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF GEOLOGICAL SITES AND GEOPARK OF THAILAND FOR 5 YEARS

Abstract

The objectives of research were to 1) prepare the conceptual framework of Conservation and Management of Geological sites and Geopark of Thailand, and 2) to present the recommendations to drive the conceptual framework of Conservation from the year 2021-2025 and also the management of geological sites and Geopark of Thailand for 5 years. The qualitative research was employed by using the method of participation observation, In-Depth Interview and focus group discussion. The key informants were the representatives from central   provincial and rural government organizations, provincial Geological sites and Geopark Directors, community representative at concerning area, non-governments representatives and people in the area. The key informants selected by using the Criterion - Based Selection method.

The results showed that 1) conceptual framework of Conservation and Management of Geological sites and Geopark of Thailand in 5 years aimed to promote the conservation and development of Geopark management system to the international standards which consisted of 3 strategies as followings; (1) the strategy on reservation, conservation, (2) restoration and value building of geological sites and Geopark of Thailand; (3) the strategy on the development of knowledge and cultural promotion of geological sites and Geopark of Thailand and the strategy on enhancing the capacity of Thai geological heritage management and sustainable social integration. There were also 4 policies as followings; (1) the policy on conservation and creation of Thai geological heritage value; (2) the policy on Thai geological heritage management system; (3) the policy on knowledge, understanding and consciousness of Thai geological heritage value promotion and (4) the policy of networks and alliances building of Thai geological. 2) The Important recommendations included of; (1) mapping and organizing the systematic central databases; (2) Promoting public participation and (3) integrating agencies to operate in the same direction.