Community Preparation and Competency Development for Ecotourism Management in the Wang Nam Khiao-Pha Khao Phu Luang Forest Reserve

Abstract

This study focused on supporting the officers of Wang Nam Khiao – Khao Phu Luang forest reserve and the local community with ecotourism management training using a six-day short-course based on the Experiential Learning Theory (ELT). As part of the need for assessment and training topics, 173 forest reserve officers, representatives of government authorities, and members of the local community, completed surveys consisting of five-point Likert-type scale items. The short-course training program was developed and implemented in the Wang Nam Khiao – Khao Phu Luang forest reserve. There were 46 attendees who participated in the short course program held in 2017; these included officers, local community leaders, and representatives. Pre- and post-tests were conducted before and after each training session. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to compare the pre- and post-test scores of the trainees and the ecotourism readiness in the Wang Nam Khiao - Pha Khao Phu Luang forest reserve among three groups of attendees. The results of the study showed that the training helped to form wider collaboration between locals and national park rangers, assisting in ecotourism management and natural resource management in the forest reserve.