Amidst the surging waves of change impacting the Wonnapha Beach community, the traditional artisanal fishing way of life faces significant challenges from the rapid growth of tourism. The research project, “Promoting a Sustainable Community Economy through Performing Arts and Participatory Community-Based Learning based on Inner Development Goals (IDGs): A Case Study of Wonnapha Beach, Chonburi,” supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), was established to address these shifts. The primary objective is to develop a sustainable economic model for the Wonnapha Beach community by integrating the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework with performing arts and community-based learning. By focusing on developing the “inner qualities” of individuals, the project aims to transform community members into resilient “Eco-Cultural Entrepreneurs.” This process utilizes theatrical arts as a tool to reflect on local issues and bridge traditional wisdom with modern contexts. It provides a platform for the community to collectively determine their economic direction based on their own resources—turning crisis into opportunity—ensuring that Wonnapha Beach grows economically while maintaining a balance with environmental conservation and the community’s spiritual essence.
Phase 2: Capacity Building and Innovation The current activities fall under the second phase of the project, which focuses on two key areas: 1. Capacity Building for “Wonnapha Sages”: Participants selected from existing databases collaborate to design content and knowledge-sharing methods. This process integrates all 5 dimensions of the IDGs framework through peer-to-peer exchange and community theater processes. The goal is to establish a foundation for creating sustainable “Learning Routes.” 2. Developing the “Community-Based Learning Route” Prototype: This activity emphasizes collaboration between the “Sages” and the research team to create innovative community activities guided by Universal Design principles. Performing arts serve as the medium for exchanging ideas, which will eventually lead to Policy Proposals submitted to the Saensuk Municipality for future area development.
Project Objectives
1. Establishing a Sustainable Community Economic Model To develop a robust model for promoting the economy of the Wonnapha Beach community. This objective utilizes performing arts and participatory community-based learning as primary drivers, structured under the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework. The focus is on creating a scalable economic system that harmonizes local livelihoods with modern sustainability standards.
2. Cultivating Eco-Cultural Entrepreneurs To empower and elevate the “Wonnapha Sages” (local experts) into professional Eco-Cultural Entrepreneurs. This involves enabling them to generate economic value from their existing cultural and natural capital. This transformation is rooted in strengthening their “Inner Qualities” through the IDG framework, ensuring that their business practices are resilient, ethical, and community-oriented.
The project implementation is structured into a logical progression of community empowerment and innovation: • Phase 1: Community-Led Research & Cultural Asset Mapping The process begins by establishing a collaborative research team with the community to conduct an inventory of cultural capital and local wisdom. This includes maritime knowledge, traditional shrimp paste production, and specialized crab-picking techniques, all documented through the creation of a Cultural Map. • Phase 2: Human Capacity Development (IDG Integration) The project then focuses on developing the “Wonnapha Sages” by applying the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework. This transforms local experts into entrepreneurs capable of designing and facilitating professional community-based learning activities. • Phase 3: Creative Collaboration & Prototyping In partnership with students from Burapha University, the project creates performing arts that reflect local narratives. These performances are integrated into the development and testing of “Community-Based Learning Routes,” which are designed to generate actual revenue for the residents. • Phase 4: Knowledge Synthesis The final stage involves synthesizing the gathered knowledge and data to establish a scalable and sustainable grassroots economic model.
The implementation of this project has resulted in the following key outcomes:
• Development of “Community Innovators”: The emergence of local sages and community innovators equipped with IDG skills. These individuals are now capable of driving the local economy through “Wonnapha Way of Life” learning routes and performing arts.
• Economic Value Creation: The project has generated actual income rooted in cultural capital, proving that heritage can be a sustainable source of livelihood. • Living Learning Laboratory: The transformation of Wonnapha Beach into a “Living Learning Center” that successfully integrates environmental conservation with creative tourism.
• Policy & Scalability: The delivery of a proven prototype model and strategic policy recommendations to elevate the community toward concrete, long-term sustainability.
Impact and Funding: This ongoing community research is proudly supported by a grant from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) through the Regional Research for Local Development Mechanism. Significantly, this research aligns directly with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing Burapha University’s role in creating sustainable local impact. The event took place at the Co-working Space 1, Eastern Art and Culture Center, Burapha University.
Date Event: 15 December 2025
Project Leaders: Asst. Prof. Dr. Paiboon Soponsuwapap, Asst. Prof. Dr. Chanthana Kochaprasert, and Dr. Thanarat Anukul
