Cultural Capital of Sea Salt Farming in Ban Laem District of Phetchaburi Province as per the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

Abstract

This study delved into the cultural capital, value systems, and social organizations in sea salt farming in Ban Laem District of Phetchaburi Province, considered within the framework of GIAHS. The research methodology involved qualitative tools such as in-depth interviews, SWOT analysis, and TOWS matrix, and focus group discussions with key stakeholders such as salt farmers, community leaders, local government officials, and scholars. The study underlines that the sea salt production in Ban Laem District is deeply rooted in both tangible and intangible cultural traits, contributing to the area’s distinct cultural identity. The traditional ceremonies, foods, crafts, and tools associated with salt production form the tangible cultural aspects unique to the area. Sea salt farming’s historical, aesthetic, scientific, economic, and social values accentuate its community-wide importance. However, challenges such as traditional knowledge and practice erosion, skilled labor scarcity, limited comprehension of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP), environmental degradation, and globalization’s impact threaten the cultural authenticity of the salt farming community. To counter these challenges, this study recommends preservation of traditional knowledge, cultural value awareness, reinforced environmental conservation, and fostering collaborations among salt farmers, governmental bodies, and the private sector. Collectively, these efforts will contribute to the sustainability and resilience of Ban Laem’s sea salt cultural heritage.

Ngalaksa Traditional Ceremony as a Local Wisdom to Maintain Community Social Interaction

“…Historical, aesthetic, scientific, economic and social values are important for society at large. In this way, preserving traditional knowledge, awareness of cultural values, strengthening environmental conservation, and fostering collaboration between cultural actors, government agencies, and the private sector are interconnected (Plaiphum and Tansuchat, 2023). Character education values taken at a ngalaksa ceremony, Tarawangsa in the Rancakalong community, are tolerance, democracy, courage, discipline, hard work, creativity, responsibility, religiosity, environmental care, social care, national spirit and patriotism.…”

Mineral content in commercially branded and local salt in selected villages from Bahi, Iramba, Manyoni, and Singida urban districts, Tanzania

“…According to Ref. [ 40 ], locally sourced salts may be perceived as more natural or authentic, reflecting cultural values and practices passed down through generations. Conversely, in urban areas or regions with access to a diverse range of products, consumers may gravitate towards commercially branded salts due to factors such as convenience, and consistency, [ [29] , [41] , [42] ].…”

Assessing Food and Livelihood Security in Sea Salt Community: A GIAHS Study in Ban Laem, Phetchaburi, Thailand

“…Furthermore, through the GIAHS program, which is closely intertwined with agricultural cultural capital, valuable resources are channeled towards the tourism and cultural heritage sectors, thereby bolstering local identity and fostering community-based tourism initiatives, as evident in the work of Kajihara et al [9]. governmental authorities' assessment, addressing vital aspects such as food and livelihood security, agrobiodiversity, and cultural components, with the cultural dimensions of sea salt farming being specifically explored by Plaiphum and Tansuchat [21]. Furthermore, ensuring food and livelihood security proves imperative for the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems, and through evaluating sustainable food and livelihood security, GIAHS can gauge the impact of agricultural practices on local communities, pinpointing specific community challenges and needs, thereby facilitating the development of targeted interventions to enhance security in these pivotal areas.…”