Author(s): Parnprae Chaoprayoon Udomraksasup, Chalermchai Panyadee, Howhan Thaveeseng, Jaruwan Tanakit, Jariya Koment
The objectives of this research were to 1) survey and evaluate the potential of tourism sites based on Biodiversity, 2) develop tourism routes basedon biodiversity 3) evaluate the result of tourism development based on Biodiversity. This research was conducted with a Mixed-Method using participatory action research to transfer knowledge on biodiversity-based tourism to community enterprises. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data analysis was conducted throughcontent analysis. The result of the research are as follows: 1) The results of a study on the potential of tourismsites based on Biodiversity found that most of the sites had a very high potential Mae Chaem District community enterprise group relied on biological resources in the community, combined with local wisdom to create community products. Especially community enterprise of conservation and lifestyles of elephant culture inBan Huai Phak Kut, Ban Mae Pan-San Kiang Natural Safety Agricultural Enterprise Group, Weaving Community Enterprise Group,Ban Mae Lu Phai Community Enterprise Group. However, market needs and biological resource utilisation are causing a reduction in the availability of biological resources. Therefore, they were bringing in production factors from outside the community. In addition, there are also attractive cultural attractions in Mae Chaem District, especially Wat Pa Daet and Wat Phuttha-en, which can bring potential tourist attractions to be lined up as tourist routes based on Biodiversity. 2) The research team used the conceptual framework to develop tourism routes, and it consists of three main components: 1) Tourism attraction sites must have the potential for tourism biodiversity.; 2) Tourism attraction site must have received Geographical Indications, and 3) enterprises grouphas the potential for biodiversity-based tourism, and there are creative tourism activities thatallow the cause for learning. The researchers used the AIC process as a tool to develop tourism routes. They discovered a tourism route of 3 days two nights. 3) the results of conducting a pilot tour to evaluate readiness for biodiversity-based tourism management for community enterprises in Mae Chaem District of 20 tourists found that most of the evaluators were female accounted for 55%, the age range of 30-39 years, representing 40%, most of the evaluators were single, accounting for 60%. The educational level of most of them are graduated with a bachelor's degree accounted for 60% and primarily engaged in working as a government officials/state enterprise employees accounted for 40%. The income of the majority per month was 10,000-20,000 baht, representing 40%. The 40 attractions that can create the most awareness among tourists is Wat PhutthaAen with an average of 4.60, because it is an ancient and famous temple. It also has an environment surrounded by biodiversitydue to the abundance of areas such as lotus ponds, spring pondsand the big trees.