Development of a Geospatial Database for the Conservation of Biodiversity and Environmental Ecosystems in the Huai Jo Low Hill Watershed

Abstract

This research aimed to develop a geospatial database to support biodiversity and ecosystem conservation within the area of the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, located in Pa Phai sub-district, San Sai district, Chiang Mai. A Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach was employed, involving multiple stakeholders and integrating scientific and technological knowledge with local wisdom. The study focused on organizing a spatial information system to assess the status, potential, and limitations of biological factors and to identify indicators related to the stability of biodiversity and eco-cultural landscapes. Spatial data analysis revealed that the headwater forest area of the Huai Jo Low Hill watershed had the potential to generate approximately 2.35x 10⁶ m³ yr^-1 of streamflow annually and to contribute an estimated annual income of about 2,000,000 Baht to surrounding communities. The area also holds significant ecological value for conservation-based recreation and research activities. However, the stability of biodiversity is threatened by intensive land use, particularly forest product gathering influenced by the local belief that forest burning promotes plant regrowth. Furthermore, unregulated recreational activities negatively affect the watershed’s ecological, economic, social, and research functions, pushing the ecosystem toward a regression stage. To address these challenges, conservation, restoration, and management strategies should be guided by the principles of Integrated Watershed Management (IWM), including landscape zoning; for sustainable resource use; designation of preservation and conservation-development zones, and enforcement of appropriate laws, regulations, and management measures. To support these efforts, three types of databases were developed: (1) a GIS-based spatial database, (2) an information database, and (3) a Google Earth platform database integrated with up-to-date satellite imagery. These tools facilitate effective communication of research findings to communities, researchers, and administrative platforms at various levels.