Reporters: Asst.Prof.Dr. Prapot Maliwan
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Pornsil Seephueak
Asst.Prof.Dr. Nion Chirapongsathonkul
Asst.Prof.Dr. Worawitoo Meesook
Evidence Date: during 2024 Jan-Dec
Related SDGs:
Related Indicators: 15.2.1
Details:
Asst. Prof. Payomporn Raksachon from the Faculty of Management Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, received a research grant from the Program Management Unit on Area-Based Development (PMU-A) for the project titled “Value Chain Management of the Sago Palm Business in Phatthalung Province.” The project aims to enhance the ecological and economic value of sago palm (Metroxylon sagu) ecosystems through community participation and sustainable management. Sago palm forests are an important wetland ecosystem that supports both biodiversity and local livelihoods. These areas serve as natural habitats for fish, amphibians, insects, and other aquatic organisms. By improving and restoring sago palm areas, the project helps maintain water quality and promotes habitat stability. The surrounding communities benefit from rich fishing grounds where residents harvest local fish species sustainably. The project not only focuses on conservation but also integrates economic benefits through local utilization of sago palm products. This approach reflects the balance between biodiversity protection and sustainable development. It represents a model for integrating ecological restoration with community-based resource management.
The project emphasizes the multiple uses and benefits of the sago palm in daily life and local industries. Sago starch is extracted and processed into flour, which serves as a food ingredient in traditional and modern recipes. This product generates income for local families and helps preserve traditional knowledge related to sago processing. Moreover, sago palm leaves and trunks can be used to support the rearing of the sago palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), a high-protein insect that offers potential as an alternative protein source. This innovative use of local resources aligns with global trends toward sustainable food systems and circular economies. By linking biodiversity management with food innovation, the project highlights the versatility and ecological importance of sago palm ecosystems. It demonstrates how local biodiversity can contribute to nutrition security and economic resilience. The initiative also promotes eco-friendly production and encourages the responsible use of natural materials. Through research and community collaboration, the project builds a sustainable model for biodiversity-based enterprises.
Hands-on participation by local residents is a key component of this project’s success. Community members were actively involved in replanting sago palms and restoring wetland habitats across Phatthalung Province in southern Thailand. These activities not only rehabilitate degraded areas but also provide opportunities for environmental learning. Participants gained knowledge about wetland ecology, soil and water balance, and the interdependence of plants and animals in the ecosystem. The project has strengthened the community’s sense of responsibility toward natural resource conservation. It also encourages intergenerational learning, as local elders share traditional practices of sago cultivation with younger members. By promoting sustainable harvesting and biodiversity-friendly practices, the project ensures that local people can use these resources long into the future. The collaboration between researchers and communities demonstrates how science can support local development and ecological balance. Ultimately, the initiative provides a replicable model for integrating biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods. Through collective effort, Phatthalung’s sago palm ecosystem stands as a symbol of harmony between people and nature.
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