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Environment
and development in coastal regions and in small islands |
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Environment
and development in coastal regions and in small islands |
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Coastal region and small
island papers 8
Indigenous people and parks Annex 3
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S W O T A N A L Y S I S |
| The SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis was carried out by the participants of the workshop. Although some Moken were present at the time, the analysis provides in essence the perceptions of Moken strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats held by a non-Moken group. These judgements may very well differ from those shared by the Moken themselves. |
Towards
the strategic goal of sustainable development for the Moken: Commitment and
support
21-26 November 1998
Surin Islands National Park, Phang-nga
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| Moken’s strengths |
Cultural
identity.
Maritime
skills (navigation, swimming, diving) and intimate knowledge of marine and
territorial environment.
Traditional
arts and crafts.
Simple
and non-destructive technology.
Friendliness
and modesty.
Some
individuals have medicinal plant knowledge.
Reside
in the area year round.
Children
are eager to learn.
Some
individuals are multilingual.
Adaptability,
not afraid of tourists.
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| Moken’s weaknesses |
Widows
have little means of making a living or supporting themselves.
When
a Moken is ill and needs to be hospitalized, she/he and the relatives cannot
afford the expense of being in hospital, staying in town, etc.
Illiteracy.
Being
harassed, threatened or teased by park staff.
Park’s
prohibition on hunting and gathering certain species.
Substance
addiction.
Very
low or uncertain source of income/lack of ability to save.
Lack
of job security.
Lack
of land ownership rights.
Lack
of family planning/population control.
Health
problems/lack of health services.
Influenced
by consumerism.
No
identification card/nationality/citizenship.
Lack
of educational opportunities.
Socially
and economically disadvantaged.
Communication
barriers – many Moken do not speak fluent Thai.
Lack
of communication and understanding between the Park Authority and the Moken.
Lack
of cultural continuity – younger generations tend to neglect values of
cultural heritage.
Lack
of cultural awareness and pride.
Dependency
on park and outside sources.
Lack
of community strength.
Lack
of spiritual bond.
Lack
of skill training in traditional arts, crafts, music, etc.
Lack
of skill training/experience in service activities.
The
young are losing respect for the adults and elderly.
Violation
of some rules and regulations.
Unable
to control or limit Moken immigration from other regions.
Lack
of attention/interest in the roles of park staff.
Littering.
Lack
of cooperation and coordination from other agencies.
Moken
are an additional burden for the Park Authority.
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| Opportunities for the Moken and national park |
Development
of the Surin Islands as an ecotourism destination.
Additional
income through: boat services, village tours, cultural performances, tours
for special interest groups.
Nomination
as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Important
(biological and cultural) research site in the Andaman Sea.
Educational
and vocational training opportunities.
Increase
of health services.
Building
of consensus among relevant stakeholders regarding a common vision.
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| Threats for the Moken and national park |
Overexploitation/unsustainable
use of natural resources.
Number
of tourists exceeding the island’s carrying capacity.
Immigration
of Moken from Myanmar.
Increase
of waste.
Drug
abuse.
Illegal
fishing.
Spread
of epidemics.
Extra
pressure as a World Heritage Site.
Smuggling
of natural resources from Thailand.
Negative
cultural influences from the outside.
Natural
disasters.
Security
in life and personal belongings.
Restriction
on making a living (hunting and gathering).
Outdated
laws and regulations.
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| Surin Islands National Park strengths |
Great
potential to achieve international recognition and a higher management
standard.
Park’s
potential in regard to:
