Effort to Establish a Self-management Framework in the Demarcated Zones

Abstract

The Department of Fisheries (DOF) formulated Thai sea rehabilitation program, which was under the Eighth National Social and Economic Development Plan (1997-2001). This program adopted concept of territorial use right in fisheries (TURFs) and fishing right system to contribute alleviation of resource user conflicts. The main concept of TURFs and fishing right system is demarcation of coastal areas. A demarcation of coastal zone will possibly encourage development of decentralization process in local administration. Sub-district Administrative Organization (Ao.Bo.To.) was established in 1994. Ao.Bo.To. may take responsibility and function as a local management body to execute community development and coastal resource management. The DOF set up a demarcated zone (Area I and Area II) in Pathew Bay, Pathew District, Chumporn Province. This demarcated zone reached an agreement of local people s consensus. The consensus of the demarcated zone became official Chumporn Provincial Proclamation. This proclamation has been effective since 4 November 2002 after publicly announced to local people, stakeholders in the province. The DOF (headquarter), the Provincial and District office of DOF, Chumporn Marine Fisheries Research and Development Center and SEAFDEC/TD plan to encourage and improve capacity building of Ao.Bo.To. to be lead and core institution to control the demarcated zone proclamation.