Participatory Management for Sustainable Low-Carbon Community in Highland Community, Thailand

Abstract

The concept of sustainable development by using participatory management is trendily favored for developing low-carbon communities. This research aimed to investigate participatory management for developing sustainable low-carbon communities, community performances in sustainable low-carbon communities, and contributing factors of these performances. The research area was located at Pa Pae Village, Pa Pae Sub-District, Mae Sa Rieng District, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. Data were analyzed from in-depth interviews, focus groups, and document investigations. The results indicated that participatory management consisted of a cycle of three stages, need identification, planning, and implementation, which required community meetings to make discussion and decision. The performances in sustainable low-carbon communities also involved environmentally friendly agriculture, forest restoration, conservation, community health management, community strength, and efficient use of resources. These performances relied on socio-culture of community, community leaders, and encouragement of agency. Therefore, participatory management should include the stage of evaluation. Leadership development in participatory management should be also focused to continue the community performances in sustainable low-carbon communities, along with encouraging active social learning process to achieve the goal of sustainable development.