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Water-based ecotourism at Bueng Borapet,

Nakhon Sawan Province, Thailand


Noppamast Sae-Tang 1, Sansanee Choowaew 1, Ramesh Boonratana 2, Utaiwan Phuted 3
Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University
Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

INTRODUCTION

Bueng Borapet is the largest freshwater swamp in Thailand with an


area of 212.38 km2 [1,2]. It has diversified ecosystems. Its wetland
ecosystem is rich in biodiversity; containing 23 species of aquatic
plants, 77 freshwater fish species, 63 resident bird species, and 32
migrant bird species [1]. It is also an important socio-economic
resource. The aim of this research is to assess areas of water-based
ecotourism activities at Bueng Borapet Wetland.

Figure 1 Map of Bueng Borapet


(Source: modified from Chairat, 2010)
METHODOLOGY

• In-depth interview with key


informants, local officers, boat
service providers, local people, and
academic specialists.
• Compile and analyze the results by
content analysis.

Figure 2 Boat excursion Figure 3 Local fishing


RESULTS & DISCUSSION
Activities
Bueng Borapet Wetland is dynamic. Participating in  Boat excursion
water-based ecotourism activities at Bueng Borapet  Viewing natural scenery
Wetland, depends on water level and climate  Viewing water lily and lotus
temperature. During the dry season, the ability to  Viewing local life style
travel in the swamp needs to be investigated. This  Bird watching Figure 4 Bird watching tower

season limits participation in some activities i.e. boat  Youth camp


 Outdoor education and research
excursion, picnicking, and viewing local lifestyle.
 Conservation activity
Some activities are dependent on the favorable
 Nature trail
weather i.e. watching migrant birds and viewing
 Picnicking on a boat
water lily. However, there are safety precautions
 Photography
which participants need to be aware of. Firstly, there
are tree stumps all over the wetland; particularly, Table 1 Water-based ecotourism activities
Figure 5 Nature trail
during the dry season. Secondly, the majority of
wildlife resources are birds and fish, and they are very
sensitive to disturbances during the breeding
seasons; which will very likely lead to population
declines and may also impact the local biodiversity in
the long term.

Figure 6 Purple Swamphen Figure 7 Black-winged Stilt Figure 8 Little Cormorant


REFERENCES (Porphyrio porphyrio) (Himantopus himantopus) [4] (Phalacrocorax niger)

[1] Choowaew, S., Chaichana, R., Chairat, R. et al. (2014). Final report: Participatory research for
conservation and wise use on wetland. Fac. of Env. and Res. Studies. Mahidol University.
[2] Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (2003). Biodiversity of Bueng Borapet Wetland.
[in Thai version].
[3] Chairat, R. (2010). Map of Bueng Borapet’s reservoir.
[4] Chairat, R. (2010). Bird photos.

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