Sustainable Baan Khao Lak Rafting Community Based Tourism Program
Challenges and Objectives
Baan Khao Lak, a small village situated in Trang Province, Thailand, the small village consists of around 183 households, accommodating approximately 650 residents. It is situated in a location enriched with abundant natural resources, including watershed forests, valleys, and rivers. The previous, the village faced the pressing issue of deforestation and encroachment.
The Sustainable Baan Khao Lak Rafting Community-Based Tourism program aims to achieve efficient resource management in tourism by organizing well-structured activities that actively engage community members in the conservation of natural resources. The program focuses on economic benefits for the community through the sustainable utilization of local resources, creating income opportunities for residents. By emphasizing high-quality community products resulting from tourism, the program aims to enhance economic gains for the community. Overall, the objectives include promoting responsible resource management, fostering economic growth, and maximizing the positive impact of tourism on the well-being of the Baan Khao Lak community.
Collaboration Partners and Roles
Internally, the collaboration focuses on fostering trust and facilitating communication among its members through open discussions and dialogue, while externally, the collaboration aims to raise awareness and enhance understanding of the enterprise program among different sectors of society. The community shares local wisdom on food and crafts, demonstrating a strong commitment to revitalization. The formal community enterprise’s committee monitors and adjusts strategies, coordinates management, and reviews program progress for successful execution and optimization. The Department of Community Development plays a vital role in the public sphere, officially supporting a program with a 1 million Baht village fund. Collaborating with the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), they emit funds and provide technical support. Academic researchers from institutions like Srivijaya University of Technology contribute expertise in business and operation management, product development, and capacity building for enterprise committees. The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), operating under the Prime Minister's office, develops policies for sustainable tourism, collaborating with national agencies, local authorities, and civil society. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Trang Tourism and Hotel Association, and Trang Tourism Industry Council work collectively to promote the village as a tourist destination, offering recommendations and coordination for recommended tour programs while enhancing hospitality knowledge.
Revitalisation Activities
Baan Khao Lak's rafting enterprise significantly boosts village income and economic prosperity by offering diverse tourism experiences. Baan Khao Lak offers a diverse range of experiences, including a thrilling 4-kilometer water rafting adventure on the Trang River. The community provides opportunities for immersion in traditional local activities like goat and black chicken breeding, southern-style cuisine cooking, and crafting workshops. Visitors can explore and purchase unique community products, such as tie-dye fabrics and locally-made Thai desserts. Baan Khao Lak's tourism activities cater to various preferences, contributing significantly to increased household income. Residents embrace the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, utilizing household accounts to promote financial stability, self-reliance, and community development for sustainable economic well-being.
Baan Khao Lak, in addressing environmental concerns, introduced the innovative practice of "tree ordination ceremony" to protect the watershed forest from illegal deforestation. This adaptation involves religious rituals such as Buddhist monks adorning trees with orange robes, symbolizing their sacredness and promoting consciousness about conservation. The village earned recognition as a "Runner-Up" for outstanding community engagement in forest conservation. On the social front, Baan Khao Lak excels in public services, managing well-organized facilities like temples and schools. The village prioritizes environmental management, emphasizing solid waste and wastewater management. Noteworthy achievements include being poverty-free, drug-free, and winning awards for cleanliness. The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy is integral to their success, leading to prestigious accolades such as the 2016 Sufficiency Economy Model Village Award. Baan Khao Lak's harmonious relationship with its land and robust environmental practices showcase a community committed to holistic well-being and sustainable development.
Revitalisation Outcome
Baan Khao Lak's community-based tourism is a pivotal economic driver, contributing significantly to the community's income. The primary revenue, averaging 25,000 baht per month, was generated from the Ban Khao Lak white-water rafting group. Additionally, local housewives showcase their culinary skills, earning around 100,000 baht monthly by preparing meals from abundant raw materials. The sale of community products, including snacks, crafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce, further adds an annual income of approximately 300,000 baht. Beyond economic gains, community-based tourism fosters social cohesion, cooperation, and pride among villagers. It creates opportunities for cultural exchange, enhancing understanding and appreciation of the local community. Baan Khao Lak actively preserves its cultural identity, adapting traditions to contemporary times while ensuring their transfer to future generations. The community's resilience and unity enable them to navigate societal changes while safeguarding their unique heritage. By cherishing their cultural roots, Baan Khao Lak strikes a harmonious balance between modernity and cultural legacy. The community takes pride in showcasing their distinct "treasures" to visitors, cultivating a sense of belonging and appreciation for their heritage. Proactively managing their lifestyle and cultural aspects, Baan Khao Lak is well-prepared to share their knowledge and experiences, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and learning with visitors. Overall, community-based tourism in Baan Khao Lak not only generates income but also nurtures social connections, cultural preservation, and a shared identity within the community, ensuring its enduring continuity.
This is the abridged version of a case prepared by AIRI Fellow Krittawit Krittayaruangroj. For further information, please email Dr. Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen at phuoclai@ait.asia.