Climate resilience action to policy: embodied community-based climate risk resilience (CBCRR) in drought prone community in Thailand’s economic corridor

Abstract

ABSTRACT Climate change exacerbates drought and water scarcity in Thailand, particularly in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a key geoeconomic strategy corridor. Climate risk, coupled with industrialization and urbanization, has accelerated water shortages in this area. Despite adaptation efforts such as shifting to drought-tolerant crops, rural communities face an increasing threat of water scarcity. Thailand's 2018 National Adaptation Plan (NAP) aims to increase adaptive capacity and enhance resilience. However, while national and provincial plans are underway, district, subdistrict, municipal, and community-level plans are still under development. This participatory action research applied the Community-Based Climate Risk Resilience (CBCRR) approach to communities at risk of drought in the EEC of Thailand. The demonstrated CBCRR approach and empirical evidence for the actual process, practice, and intervention were observed and documented. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were utilized, including questionnaire surveys, interviews, gaming simulations, mapping workshops, field surveys, and brainstorming meetings. The key findings of this research are as follows: (1) Community-household-level climate action: This case study identified empirical climate resilience actions that can be generalized to other vulnerable local communities. These actions highlight the importance of addressing climate change at the community and household levels, alongside national/provincial plans and policies. (2) Three-tier resilience strategies: This research identifies three levels of resilience strategies that can be applied to local practices and policies in other communities. (3) CBCRR is an alternative approach: the concept of the CBCRR and its four key elements can be utilized to build climate resilience. Key policy insights Promote Climate Resilience at All Levels: Climate risk resilience practices should be prioritized at all levels of governance, from national to local. Investing in Local Capacity Building: Investing in capacity building at the local level is crucial for achieving tangible results that reinforce broader national climate initiatives. Integrate Resilience into Local Planning: A resilience approach should be embedded in local plans, policies, budget allocations, and evaluation systems. Institutionalize CBCRR: Community-Based Climate Risk Resilience (CBCRR) should be institutionalized, especially in high-risk and vulnerable communities. Data-Driven Decision Making: Prioritize the collection and utilization of risk and vulnerability data at the community and household levels.