Guidelines for Promoting Cultural Environment to Sustainable Community Development: The Case Study of Xonenuea Village, Xone District, Houaphan Province Lao PDR

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) explore the current situation and perceptions regarding the value and importance of the cultural environment, 2) identify factors influencing changes in the cultural environment, and 3) propose guidelines to promote the conservation of the cultural environment for sustainable community development in Ban Chon Nuea, Xon District, Houaphanh Province, Lao PDR. A mixed-methods approach was employed. For the quantitative part, the sample group consisted of 139 individuals, including community leaders and elders knowledgeable about local history, serving as household representatives. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics: frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The qualitative part involved in-depth interviews with 10 community leaders and elders. Data were analyzed and synthesized according to research themes and presented descriptively.

The findings reveal that: 1. Ban Chon Nuea is an ancient community rich in cultural environmental elements, such as old temples, a former French military camp, and locations with historical narratives and indigenous knowledge. The community also possesses forests, agricultural lands, and natural resources that are widely utilized. Villagers demonstrated a high level of awareness of the cultural environment’s importance, particularly regarding its roles in providing housing, freshwater, and energy sources. 2. Seven key factors were found to influence changes in the cultural environment, including population growth, infrastructure development, the increasing influence of modern culture, and the community’s economic demands. These factors contribute to land use changes and decreased reliance on cultural resources. 3. Eight key guidelines were proposed to promote the conservation of the cultural environment: (1) Develop balanced policies that integrate use and conservation, (2) Raise awareness of cultural environmental values across all groups, (3) Promote education on cultural resource conservation and restoration, (4) Publicize the significance of historical sites through social media, (5) Develop historical sites as cultural tourism destinations, (6) Promote natural areas as ecological learning and tourism sites, (7) Encourage participation from all sectors in protecting cultural heritage, and (8) Promote reforestation to restore ecological balance in the community.These guidelines aim to support sustainable development that aligns with the local cultural context.