Exploring Traditional Knowledge and Potential Uses of Local Freshwater Algae and Aquatic Plants in Thai Wetland Communities
This study explored the ecological and cultural significance of Thailand’s wetlands, particularly the Nong Bong Kai Non-Hunting Area and the Lower Songkhram River. These areas were essential for biodiversity, flood prevention, and supporting local livelihoods, serving as food sources, biofertilizers...
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2025-01-01
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| author | Pasin Norkum Ai Angkhana Inta Sarana Rose Sommano Kittiya Phinyo Kritsana Duangjan Tibet Tangpao |
| author_facet | Pasin Norkum Ai Angkhana Inta Sarana Rose Sommano Kittiya Phinyo Kritsana Duangjan Tibet Tangpao |
| author_sort | Pasin Norkum Ai |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study explored the ecological and cultural significance of Thailand’s wetlands, particularly the Nong Bong Kai Non-Hunting Area and the Lower Songkhram River. These areas were essential for biodiversity, flood prevention, and supporting local livelihoods, serving as food sources, biofertilizers, and natural water purifiers. However, these wetlands faced mounting threats from pollution, habitat loss, and climate change, jeopardising their ecological health and biodiversity. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted to assess regional and demographic patterns in using and recognising algae and aquatic plants. The collected data highlighted traditional ecological knowledge held primarily by older community members. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to analyse generational differences in knowledge and utilisation, focusing on the potential generational knowledge gap due to migration trends among younger individuals. The study revealed significant biodiversity differences between the wetland areas, with Nong Bong Kai exhibiting greater diversity in aquatic plant species. Older residents demonstrated higher recognition and use of algae and aquatic plants for sustainable practices, though a generational knowledge gap was evident. This gap suggested that local ecological knowledge may be at risk as younger residents migrate to urban areas. This research underscored the need for conservation and educational initiatives to bridge generational gaps and engage younger generations in resource management. By integrating local cultural practices and focusing on high-impact species like <i>Lemna perpusilla</i> Torr. and <i>Hydrilla verticillate</i> (L.f.) Royle, region-specific conservation efforts could enhance wetland sustainability, preserve biodiversity, and support ecosystem health in Thailand’s wetland regions. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-80e28eab5d0d4e99a7a35689eba7c51d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1424-2818 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Diversity |
| spelling | doaj-art-80e28eab5d0d4e99a7a35689eba7c51d2025-01-24T13:29:32ZengMDPI AGDiversity1424-28182025-01-011716310.3390/d17010063Exploring Traditional Knowledge and Potential Uses of Local Freshwater Algae and Aquatic Plants in Thai Wetland CommunitiesPasin Norkum Ai0Angkhana Inta1Sarana Rose Sommano2Kittiya Phinyo3Kritsana Duangjan4Tibet Tangpao5Department of Plant and Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandDepartment of Plant and Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandOffice of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandOffice of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandDepartment of Plant and Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandThis study explored the ecological and cultural significance of Thailand’s wetlands, particularly the Nong Bong Kai Non-Hunting Area and the Lower Songkhram River. These areas were essential for biodiversity, flood prevention, and supporting local livelihoods, serving as food sources, biofertilizers, and natural water purifiers. However, these wetlands faced mounting threats from pollution, habitat loss, and climate change, jeopardising their ecological health and biodiversity. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted to assess regional and demographic patterns in using and recognising algae and aquatic plants. The collected data highlighted traditional ecological knowledge held primarily by older community members. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to analyse generational differences in knowledge and utilisation, focusing on the potential generational knowledge gap due to migration trends among younger individuals. The study revealed significant biodiversity differences between the wetland areas, with Nong Bong Kai exhibiting greater diversity in aquatic plant species. Older residents demonstrated higher recognition and use of algae and aquatic plants for sustainable practices, though a generational knowledge gap was evident. This gap suggested that local ecological knowledge may be at risk as younger residents migrate to urban areas. This research underscored the need for conservation and educational initiatives to bridge generational gaps and engage younger generations in resource management. By integrating local cultural practices and focusing on high-impact species like <i>Lemna perpusilla</i> Torr. and <i>Hydrilla verticillate</i> (L.f.) Royle, region-specific conservation efforts could enhance wetland sustainability, preserve biodiversity, and support ecosystem health in Thailand’s wetland regions.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/17/1/63conservation strategiescultural knowledgephytoremediationresource managementwetland ecosystems |
| spellingShingle | Pasin Norkum Ai Angkhana Inta Sarana Rose Sommano Kittiya Phinyo Kritsana Duangjan Tibet Tangpao Exploring Traditional Knowledge and Potential Uses of Local Freshwater Algae and Aquatic Plants in Thai Wetland Communities Diversity conservation strategies cultural knowledge phytoremediation resource management wetland ecosystems |
| title | Exploring Traditional Knowledge and Potential Uses of Local Freshwater Algae and Aquatic Plants in Thai Wetland Communities |
| title_full | Exploring Traditional Knowledge and Potential Uses of Local Freshwater Algae and Aquatic Plants in Thai Wetland Communities |
| title_fullStr | Exploring Traditional Knowledge and Potential Uses of Local Freshwater Algae and Aquatic Plants in Thai Wetland Communities |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring Traditional Knowledge and Potential Uses of Local Freshwater Algae and Aquatic Plants in Thai Wetland Communities |
| title_short | Exploring Traditional Knowledge and Potential Uses of Local Freshwater Algae and Aquatic Plants in Thai Wetland Communities |
| title_sort | exploring traditional knowledge and potential uses of local freshwater algae and aquatic plants in thai wetland communities |
| topic | conservation strategies cultural knowledge phytoremediation resource management wetland ecosystems |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/17/1/63 |
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