BKT Next, the research initiative, understanding, and its progress

BKT research group had been conducting area-based study in Bang Khun Tian and the close proximity in Samutprakarn and Samutsakorn. The study is framed under landscape and community participatory approach aims to construct 1) the empirical evidence of landscape and land use change 2) the consolidating of local narratives 3) identify urgent issues regarding environment, socio-economy, and infrastructure. The result has revealed that Bang Khun Tian landscape experienced a significant land cover transformation from consecutive mangrove forests and marshland into salt evaporators. Local settlements started in the area because of the introduction of salt farming. After the decline of salt export, the landscape has been modified into aquaculture in respond to the increasing market demand up to the recent. Nowadays, Bang Khun Tian land use is based on aquaculture productivity rely on mangrove forest and its ecosystem services. However, the entire landscape and local livelihoods are threatening by multifaceted issues from climate change, environmental degradation, education, aging society, bureaucratic policies etc,. The advocating for sustainable practice requires multidisciplinary teams and long-term collaboration to construct a concise and comprehensive future possibility for Bang Khun Tian coastal area.