A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2020

Community participation in mangrove resource management activities increases if the community perceives the benefit from the mangrove resource in terms of livelihoods, among others. During the post-deforestation phase, mangrove management was led by a government body. It is important to see if the community{u2019}s participation is sustained in this phase. This study explores how community perceptions, community participation, and institutions affect mangrove resource management activities in the Ban Khlong Khon community during post-deforestation. The Ban Khlong Khon community appreciated the various benefits from the mangrove, computed to have an annual value of around US$3,120/ha/year. The community members who benefited the most were the ones who also participated in resource management activities, even by just attending meetings. The community delegated resource management work to government and instead focused on improving their livelihood incomes. These new livelihood activities posed new threats to the state of mangrove resources. The government body in charge (Department of Marine and Coastal Resources) was however limited in its problem solving capacity and was unable to optimize community participation. This study recommends that the DMCR develop strategies to expand livelihood opportunities for the community, improve their perception on mangrove benefits, and thereby increase their participation in resource management activities.