Journals Information
Environment and Ecology Research Vol. 13(3), pp. 322 - 333
DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130302
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Determinants of Ramsar Site Understanding and Their Impact on Quality of Life in the Lower Songkhram River Region, Northeastern Thailand
Chonyitree Sangwijit 1, Prapagon Sangwijit 2, Nitikorn Phoosuwan 3, Nattapon Pansakun 4,*
1 Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University Chalermphraki at Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Thailand
2 Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kasetsart University Chalermphraki at Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Thailand
3 Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Thailand
4 Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Thailand
ABSTRACT
Background: Ramsar sites offer various ecosystem services essential for the well-being of communities residing near wetlands, serving as critical habitats for their livelihoods. This study aimed to assess residents' understanding of the Ramsar designation and its impact on their quality of life and identify the factors influencing these outcomes among communities in the Lower Songkhram River Region, Northeastern Thailand. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to September 2024, employing stratified random sampling to recruit 399 participants living along the Lower Songkhram River in Nakhon Pathom province. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, and a statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 29.0, with results presented through descriptive statistics. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were utilized to identify significant factors, with p-values < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: More than half (53.4%) of the participants exhibited a high level of understanding, and the majority (55.1%) reported a high quality of life. Multivariable analysis identified several factors significantly associated with understanding Ramsar sites, including sub-districts (Sam Phong: B = 4.100; Tha Bo Songkhram: B = 1.981, compared to Hat Paeng), age (B = 0.033), and education level (secondary or lower: B = 0.595; diploma/certified or above: B = 0.790, compared to primary or lower). Both sub-districts (Sam Phong: B = 14.509; Tha Bo Songkhram: B = 15.339, compared to Hat Paeng) and higher understanding scores were significantly associated with quality of life. Conclusion: Over half of the participants demonstrated a high level of understanding, and most reported a high quality of life. The participants' understanding was influenced by sub-districts, age, and education, with both sub-districts and understanding impacting quality of life. The study highlights the need for policies that balance wetland protection with local livelihoods.
KEYWORDS
Ramsar Sites, Wetland Conservation, Quality of Life, Community Understanding, Socio-Economic Factors
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Chonyitree Sangwijit , Prapagon Sangwijit , Nitikorn Phoosuwan , Nattapon Pansakun , "Determinants of Ramsar Site Understanding and Their Impact on Quality of Life in the Lower Songkhram River Region, Northeastern Thailand," Environment and Ecology Research, Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 322 - 333, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130302.
(b). APA Format:
Chonyitree Sangwijit , Prapagon Sangwijit , Nitikorn Phoosuwan , Nattapon Pansakun (2025). Determinants of Ramsar Site Understanding and Their Impact on Quality of Life in the Lower Songkhram River Region, Northeastern Thailand. Environment and Ecology Research, 13(3), 322 - 333. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130302.