Integration of GIS and "Home-Temple-School/Government" (BOWON) Wisdom for Sustainable Local Flora Conservation: A Case Study of Nam Bo Luang Subdistrict, San Pa Tong District, Chiang Mai Province
Keywords:
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), BOWON wisdom, Local flora species, Apatial innovation, Sustainable conservationAbstract
This research aimed to: (1) apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to survey and develop a local plant species database in Nam Bo Luang Subdistrict, San Pa Tong District, Chiang Mai Province; (2) document the BOWON (Home–Temple–School/Government) wisdom framework based on community participation for local plant conservation; and (3) synthesize a knowledge framework for the sustainable conservation of local plant species. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining GIS-based spatial data collection, field surveys, interviews with local sages, monks, teachers, and government representatives, and focus group discussions to validate data and synthesize knowledge.
The findings revealed that GIS effectively supported the development of a comprehensive database and spatial distribution maps of local plant species, including perennial plants, medicinal plants, and economic crops. The study further found that sustainable conservation practices were driven by the integration of roles among homes, temples, schools, and government agencies through the transmission of indigenous knowledge, the building of environmental awareness, educational activities, and institutional support. Furthermore, the findings led to the development of the Model, consisting of four key components: (1) local plant resource conservation and management, (2) local wisdom transmission, (3) cultural and spiritual conservation awareness, and (4) collaborative networks and institutional support. GIS functions as an enabling tool for spatial data management and decision-making within the model.
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