 |
Environment
and development in coastal regions and in small islands |
 |
|
Environment
and development in coastal regions and in small islands |
|
 |
Coastal region and small
island papers 8
Indigenous people and parks 4
|
TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS FOR THE MOKEN |
While
the groundwork for exploring sustainable life ways with the Moken
has been laid and communication lines established among stakeholders,
it
is now time to start work on specific project activities.
|
Project activities will be implemented over the years depending on the
needs of the Moken community. Each activity will be a crucial step towards the
sustainable development of the Surin Islands and the active involvement of its
indigenous inhabitants. The proposed activities are described in this chapter.
Interdisciplinary resource assessment studies
This activity is designed to create a model for participatory resource
assessment involving indigenous communities and their knowledge. It will consist
of interdisciplinary research conducted on the islands with the objective of
determining sustainable resource use by the Moken. The active participation of
the Moken in these studies is crucial, since they have an intimate knowledge of
their island environment. The studies will also create partnerships between the
Moken and the park authorities. The traditional environmental management
practices of the Moken will be documented using written, photographic and video
techniques.
This activity is designed to increase the Moken’s ability to generate
income for themselves; to strengthen cultural pride; to preserve traditional
craft skills; and to promote Moken cultural heritage. In order to achieve this,
however, the problem of a regular supply of raw materials has to be resolved.
One alternative is to develop with the park authorities a mechanism by which the
required materials can be harvested in a sustainable manner. Failing this, an
outside source of raw materials (pandanus leaves) will have to be found.
Moreover, a regular market for Moken crafts must be identified and a campaign to
promote Moken traditional crafts will have to be undertaken. Handicraft training
is a long-term project, which will be implemented slowly over a two-year period
so as not to undermine Moken cultural values.
|
The mariculture project has numerous potential benefits for both the
Moken and the ecology of the Surin Islands. If mariculture can be established
successfully in the islands, restocking of the natural habitat by the Moken
could breed giant clams. In exchange, the Moken would receive some form of
renumeration. Much research will need to be done first to make sure that
mariculture is a viable option for the Moken and the islands’ ecosystem. This
project would be implemented over a two-year period.
The aim of this activity is to take care of the basic health needs of the
Moken. This will be accomplished by training Moken health volunteers to provide
basic care for the Moken community. Health experts will also visit the islands
to provide regular examinations, infant vaccinations and to keep and maintain
health records for the Moken. Sessions on maternal and infant health care, and
the prevention and control of substance abuse will be provided.
Sea turtles nest on the beaches of the Surin Islands. The Moken could be
trained in turtle conservation methods and hired to build hatcheries, maintain
records, assist in rearing young turtles and, if necessary, relocate nests in
order to help conserve the dwindling sea turtle population. An eight-month
training course would provide the Moken with all of the skills needed to run a
successful turtle conservation programme in the islands. Such a project could
also raise the awareness of tourists and the Moken about the plight of marine
turtles.
Reading material for Moken children
This activity aims to develop Moken children’s ability to read in their
own language, while also strengthening cultural pride. It will also encourage
Thai people to learn about the Moken language and culture. Illustrated reading
material for Moken children in both the Moken and Thai languages will be
produced. The material will be tested with the children at Suraswadee School.
There is also the possibility of producing similar reading material for adult
education as well.
|
The eco-tourism activities must be carefully planned and executed.
However, they have great potential for furthering the development of the Moken
and the islands, while at the same time raising awareness and appreciation
amongst tourists of the importance of the region’s natural and cultural
resources. Data will be gathered for use in a Moken Cultural Interpretation
Programme and in informative brochures for visitors. Interested Moken will
undergo training as tour guides and will help with trail preparation.
Stakeholder workshop for Lanta and Adang National Parks
The Surin Islands project will be used to determine the needs of other
Chao Lay communities living in the Lanta and Adang National Parks through
workshops with key stakeholders. The objective is to create a dialogue and form
partnerships between the Chao Lay and other stake holders, especially the
national park authorities, in order to understand ‘sustainable development’
and raise awareness about the negative impacts of tourism.
Illustrative Moken/Moklen/Thai/Malay/English dictionary
The proposed dictionary project will consist of gathering linguistic data
on the Moken and Moklen, designing the illustrations, preparing the layout and
publishing and disseminating the final product. The entire project will take one
to two years to complete. The objective is to preserve the Moken/Moklen language
and to strengthen cultural pride.
Environmental and socio-cultural awareness-building
campaigns
Mutual understanding between Chao Lay and the national park authorities,
as well as other stakeholders, can be greatly enhanced by awareness-building
activities using videos, slide shows and poster materials. In this way, the Chao
Lay people will learn about the need for the environmental conservation of the
Surin Islands, while other stakeholders can learn about the unique culture of
the Chao Lay. The main topics of these video/slide series will be the Surin
Islands marine and terrestrial environments and their species, resource
conservation efforts, sea nomads in Thailand, Moken life and traditions, and
indigenous people living in protected areas.
The purpose of this activity is to conduct a census of the Moken and to
collect household data. Photos of adult Moken will also be taken in order to
issue them with identification cards. These will guarantee the Moken’s special
privilege as native residents of the Surin Islands, prevent them from being
arrested as illegal migrants, and ensure their basic rights (to receive
healthcare and other government welfare).
The objectives are to provide information to trail walkers about
geographical and culturally significant features of the islands, to increase
cultural sensitivity towards the Moken, and to provide indigenous knowledge
about plants for daily and medicinal uses. Data will be collected on the
geographical and culturally significant features found in the islands. A trail
guide will be drafted in both English and Thai. Tourist pamphlets will also be
published.
Slide series on Moken life and culture
This activity will produce slides and scripts on Moken life and culture,
which will be given to the national park to show to visitors and park staff, to
inform them and develop cultural sensitivity about Moken life.
