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| Integrative
Research Network for Comprehensive Development
of the Thachin and Maeklong River Basins |
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| Background |
The Thachin and Maeklong River Basins
represent two of the twenty-five key watersheds
in Thailand. They cover 8 provinces in
western part of Thailand, inhabited by
about 1 million households or 3.8 million
people. Each of the river basins has traditionally
had an abundance
of natural resources. Today, the most
important activities in the two river
basins are agriculture, industry, commerce
and tourism. In addition to such economic
activities, these areas have a long history
and a rich unique culture. It is within
this context that sustainable development
within the Thachin and Maeklong River
Basins should be considered.
However, in recent years, rapid industrialization
and intensive agricultural production
have become significant, in line with
the need for Thailand to produce goods
for the export market. This has had impact
on both the environment and on the resources
of the Thachin and Maeklong River Basins.
Water pollution is one major problem affecting
many aspects of peoples’ lives,
as well as the natural environment. |
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| In response to these problems
and based on the collected experience gained
from collaboration with local communities
and civil network, the Faculty of Environment
and Resource Studies, supported by Mahidol
University, the Thai Government and Private
Organizations has developed an Area-based
Research Network under the name of "Integrative
Research Network for Comprehensive Development
of the Thachin and Maeklong River Basins". |
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| Objectives |
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To develop a research network
as an “Independent Knowledge Management
Node” and to develop baseline data
and information technology for development; |
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To create participatory research approaches;
and, |
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To support grassroots civil society groups
which are active in the river basins and
incorporated them into the network. |
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| Collaboration |
 In
2001, the project laid out the strategic
framework for the construction of a network
involving researchers and civil society.
Researchers from as many as 12 faculties
of Mahidol University have been involved
in this ongoing dialogue, namely the Faculty
of Environment and Resource Studies, ASEAN
Institute for Health Development, Institute
of Language and Culture for Rural Development,
Institute for Population and Social Research,
Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Technology,
National Institute for Child and Family
Development, Institute of Science and Technology
for Research and Development, Faculty of
Social Science and Humanities, Faculty of
Engineering, Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj
Hospital, and Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi
Hospital. This cooperation extends to other
universities and organizations, namely Kasetsart
University, Thammasat University, Silpakorn
University, the Pollution Control Department,
the Office of the National Water Resources
Committee, the Royal Thai Navy, the Public
Works Department, the Royal Irrigation Department
and the Department of Land Development.
Thus far, at least fifteen civic groups
participate in this network. |
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| Strategies |
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Targetted Research: Support
for participatory research involving an
interdisciplinary approach in various areas
including: Database of Information for Development;
Change, Resistance and Cultural Revitalization;
Sustainable Food Cycle Development; Water
Resources Management; Learning Network,
Policy and Peace Development; and Public
Health Development. |
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Capacity Building for Research:
Support mechanisms and capacity building
for the research, including methods development,
for researchers and communities. |
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Graduate Studies and Young Scholar
Development: Support for graduate
students to take part in research and for
development of networks among these young
scholars. |
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Capacity Building of Local Community
and Civil Society: Support communities
in research and development for community
planning, as well as for sharing and learning
within a wider network. |
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Communication for change:
Support the role of the media and identify
mechanisms for communication among the local
networks. |
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Network Administration and management
: Provide a mechanism to facilitate
the entire program and lead to a sustainable
and meaningful "Independent Knowledge
Management Node". |
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| Outcome |
 The
major emphasis of this project is make use
of an interdisciplinary approach, where
researchers join hands with civil society.
Thus, a cooperation network is developed
linking researchers within any one institution
with those in other institutions, as well
as with civic groups within the Thachin-Maeklong
area. The aim is to apply research and the
knowledge acquired to cause change, to construct
social power and to find creative and peaceful
ways
for developing and managing natural resources. |
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| The research undertaken so
far has already resulted in a number of
important outcomes: |
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A body of knowledge has been built up
in science and technology, social sciences
and humanities, public health and quality
of life. This knowledge has been disseminated
on the internet, in academic seminars and
by articles published for the public. |
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A new research paradigm has been built
for new generations of researchers from
diverse institutes and other authorities,
where innovative research is promoted by
integrating all stakeholders in participatory
research. |
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Improvements have been made in quality
of life of local communities and in the
conservation of their natural resources. |
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Academic services, training, and health
examination have been provided for local
communities. |
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The local community has been empowered,
which should increase their potential for
development. |
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| For further information :
http://www.en.mahidol.ac.th/eng/research/thachin.html
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