The sufficiency concept was often mentioned in the same context as sustainability, as in “living sufficiently for sustainability.” One (Muslim) fisher further explained that, “the sea is the God’s given gift. If we don’t use it properly, we will run out of places that feed us. Thus we need to use the sea in a sustainable way.” The sustainability principle has been promoted through the outreach efforts by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, a new government unit responsible for conservation of natural resources. Many fishers talked about conservation measures that they voluntarily practiced, such as releasing the female berried crab; and also their effort to protect mangrove areas (by refraining from cutting them).
The idea of “sufficiency” originates from the revered King Bhumibol of Thailand, and is promoted through various government programs to improve the quality of life of the rural people. The concept of sufficiency is explained by His Majesty the King as a philosophy to guide a modest but reasonable living which also offers security and provides protection against future threats (TRF 2006). It is often referred to as the “middle way” or the moderate and reasonable path to pursuing