Environmental Literacy for Holistic Asian Elephant Conservation in Thailand

Abstract

This research aimed to enhance environmental literacy to support holistic Asian elephant conservation in Thailand. The research design involved a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. The current perception of Asian elephants was assessed through questionnaire responses from 400 students and their parents who participated in elephant conservation programmed at Khao Yai Elephant Conservation Centre from 2018 to 2022. Following this, a SWOT analysis was conducted, and an environmental literacy programmed was developed based on research and development, as well as guidelines for holistic Asian elephant conservation. The quantitative data were analysed statistically using percentages (%), mean scores (x̄), standard deviations (SD), and t-tests, whereas the qualitative data were examined using content analysis. The research findings revealed that the majority of participants scored at a moderate level on Asian elephants. Their level of elephant knowledge was found to be low (31.50%), while their level of awareness of elephant conservation (43.18%) was moderate and that of elephant conservation expectation was high (42.25%). The development of environmental literacy was based on system theory and integrating various educational methods. We propose three practical recommendations: (1) Sufficient emphasis should be placed on building environmental literacy before establishing holistic Asian elephant conservation to facilitate sustainable development; (2) encouragement of Asian elephant knowledge and public participation in Thailand is essential; and (3) people’s attitudes towards Asian elephant conservation should shift from a singular perspective to a more holistic view that encompasses the well-being of elephants, villagers, and the overall environment.