DEVELOPING A STRATEGIC PLAN OF WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN MAE KLONG RIVER BASIN FROM AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS IN RATCHABURI PROVINCE TO BALANCE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE YIELDS OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The purpose of this study were 1) to investigate the context of natural resource and environment management, 2) to analyze internal and external factors affected natural resource and environment management, in terms of agricultural and industrial water management in Ratchaburi province, and 3) to develop and support the strategies of balanced and sustainable use of natural resource. This qualitative study was conducted by applying focus group discussion. The 21 key informants consisted of 10 representatives of government organizations, 6 representatives of government sector, and 5 persons who were representatives of Mae Klong basin’s committee. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics.

The results revealed as follows.

1) The context of natural resource and environment management in Ratchaburi province has been changed depending on economic, and social contexts. It has the direct effects on consuming behavior; it has been changed from subsistence production to sale production.

2) The internal factors affecting to the management of natural resources and environment, in terms of agricultural and industrial water management in Ratchaburi province were participative system, the strengths of persons’ groups and government organizations in terms of water consumption, whereas climate change, laws, and government policies were regarded as external factors.

3) In order to develop and prepare for strategies relating to natural resource and environment management, concerning the balanced and sustainable use of natural resource, the 5 strategies, called “WEEGCE MODEL”, were applied. This model consisted of 5 elements; 1) water security, 2) ecosystem security. 3) energy security, 4) green city, and 5) circular economy.