Research News

The further development of blue crab banks for sustainable coastal resource management and income generation for fishermen in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani is a project that has been implemented by Walailak University since 2018. The project focuses on creating a neutral stage to exchange ideas and establishing partnerships with relevant sectors—community representatives, government and private sectors, and educational institutions—to collaboratively work to tackle challenges, especially those relating to SDG 14. The challenges include establishing blue crab banks in new areas, boosting motivation for sustainable development among partners, resource management to develop the capacity for tourism of blue crab banks, and value creation and identity design for conservation tourism of the blue crab banks in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani.

As it is recognized as one of the SDGs Learning Centers of Generation 1 in Thailand by the International Health Policy Program, Walailak University held a cross-sectoral dialogue on the success of the Ban Haad Somboon Blue Crab Bank in July 2023 at the Ban Haad Somboon Blue Crab Bank, Wang Subdistrict, Tha Chana District, Surat Thani Province. The event served as a stage to reflect on the success, development plan, problem-solving techniques, and related factors leading to the success, as they will be applied to other blue crab banks later.

During April 26–27, 2024, a seminar titled “Collaborative Integration for Marine and Coastal Resources’ Sustainable Development” and an event for fish habitat construction will be held under the collaboration of the representatives of the Ban Haad Somboon Blue Crab Bank and all relevant sectors. Those events intend to strengthen the BCG economy, mobilize the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and empower the local economy.