Public Project
Moklen Cultural Protected Area
Summary
This photo essay introduces the Moklen world based on the “Cultural Protected Area” concept, a new preservation approach in Thailand that does not separate people and culture from nature. The story highlights Ban Bang Sak, the first Moklen Cultural Protected Area in Phang-nga, shedding light on its undocumented history and how the community uses traditional knowledge to thrive in today's world and preserves its vanishing language and culture. The story also delves into future challenges, such as developing young leaders, resolving land disputes, and addressing the impact of climate change.
When Human & Culture Coexist with Nature
Ban Bang Sak, also known as “Ban Thap Tawan-Bon Rai,” is a Moklen community in Phang Nga, Thailand. The Moklens are sea nomads, alongside two other groups, the Moken and Urak Lawoi. Having resided in the region for centuries, the Moklens have developed a unique language and culture closely connected to the natural surroundings along the Andaman Coast.
Historically, the designation of “conservation areas” has led to the displacement of people from their natural habitats, resulting in conflicts between government authorities and the ethnic communities living in these areas before the establishment of the conservation zones. The traditional conservation approach often viewed the cultural way of life as harmful to nature.
To address these challenges, a new approach has been adopted to simultaneously protect biological and cultural diversity by establishing “cultural protected areas.” This critical step allows for the preservation of the cultural rights of ethnic groups like the Moklens and the continuation of their traditional lifestyles while conserving the region's rich biodiversity. In November 2022, “Ban Thap Tawan-Bon Rai” was declared a cultural protected area, making it the first of the sea nomads to receive this designation.
This photo essay introduces you to the “Moklen world” of Ban Bang Sak based on this new preservation concept that does not separate people and culture from nature. The Living Area demonstrates the Moklens’ undocumented lifestyle transition from sea to land. The Livelihood Area illustrates how their ecological knowledge of the complex coastal forests sustains their lives. The Spiritual Area connects them with their ancestors through rituals and traditions.
Furthermore, this story showcases how the Moklen community has applied their traditional knowledge to sustain themselves in the modern era since the declaration of the Cultural Protected Area. It highlights how networking with external partners helps them remain relevant in the changing world. Additionally, it explores their future challenges, from nurturing young Moklen leaders to land disputes and climate change.
This story is part of my ongoing project, which has been ongoing since 2021, to document the Moklen language and culture in collaboration with interdisciplinary researchers in Thailand.
Moklen Cultural Protected Area: When Human & Culture Coexist with Nature in National Geographic Thailand (in Thai)
อยู่ร่วมและอยู่รอด พื้นที่คุ้มครองวิถีชีวิตชาวเล มอแกลน - National Geographic Thailandพื้นที่คุ้มครองวิถีชีวิตกลุ่มชาติพันธุ์ ชาวมอแกลน ที่บ้านทับตะวัน-บนไร่ จ.พังงาน แนวทางอนุรักษ์ที่ไม่แยก "คนและวัฒนธรรม” ออกจาก “ธรรมชาติ”
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