WATER MANAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES IN CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To Study water management for sustainable communities in Chiang Mai Province. 2. To examine factors influencing water management for sustainable communities in Chiang Mai Province. 3. To propose guidelines for water management for sustainable communities in Chiang Mai Province, conducted by qualitative research. The key informants consisted of personnel from government agencies, private-sector organizations, and civil society, as well as experts and academics involved in water management. A total of 30 individuals participated in the research. Data was collected through document analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The data were analyzed using descriptive methods and a continuous, concurrent analysis process.

The research findings found that water management for sustainable communities in Chiang Mai Province involved six key areas. 1. Management of water for domestic use and consumption. 2. Ensuring water security for the production sector. 3. Flood and disaster water management. 4. Water quality management and conservation of water resources. 5. Conservation and rehabilitation of degraded watershed forests and prevention of soil erosion. 6. General water management. Factors contributing to effective water management for sustainable communities in Chiang Mai included 1. A supportive environmental context. 2. Institutional roles and participation. 3. Governance issues and management tools, which served as components and mechanisms that enabled decision-makers to make informed choices in managing water resources. The proposed approach to water management for sustainable communities in Chiang Mai was the development of integrated, watershed-based water management. This aims to enhance water security, improve overall water productivity through efficient and value-driven use, and ensure equitable value from water utilization. It also included conserving and restoring rivers, canals, and natural water sources through effective water quality management and the conservation or rehabilitation of waterways.