Planning for year 2: expanding from 15 to 30 communities, focusing on unresolved issues from the first year

Drawing on lessons accumulated throughout the first year, TSWA plans to expand its work in the second year (B.E. 2568–2569) to 15 new communities in the same four provinces: Satun (Tha Malai, Hua Hin, Rawai, Thung Bulang), Songkhla (Bo Yang, Bo It, Na Thap, Pak Chong), Phatthalung (Ko Nang Kham, Ban Klang, Bang Khuan) and Nakhon Si Thammarat (Ko Loi, Bang Po, Ko Phet, Pak Phaya). This will bring the total to 30 communities, towards the target of 45 communities by year three. Meanwhile, the 7 communities from the first year (Khon Khlan, Talo Sai, Thale Nok, Khlong Khut, Na Thap, Nai Thung and Sa Bua) will continue to receive support for economic activities and scientific work.

To address inconsistent understanding of LMMA, the Project plans to hold forums to build shared understanding with government agencies at both subdistrict and provincial levels. It will also adjust its approach to defining LMMA boundaries, basing them on “important habitats” that connect multiple communities. To address overlapping government mandates, an area-level LMMA working group will be established with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources and the Department of Fisheries, alongside a roadmap for area recognition with a clear timeline. Community economic enterprises will be supported to develop a central platform to improve market access, and the data monitoring system will expand its collection to cover more seasons.