THE PATTERNS AND ROLES OF PEOPLE'S NETWORK IN WATER RESOURCE CONSERVATION IN URBAN AREA, THAILAND

Abstract

The government agencies and private sectors have been putting efforts to properly monitor and alleviate the water quality problems. However, the complaints about wastewater in the urban areas in Thailand is increasing each year. This research aims to study the patterns and roles of people’s network for sharing knowledge and plans for water resource conservation in Krathum Baen district, Samut Sakhon province. The qualitative approach through participatory action research (PAR) was used for conducting this research in order to discover the causes of the water quality problems which were caused by management. A focus group discussion, and in-depth interview methods were used for collecting data. The obtained results were analysed by SWOT analysis. TOWS Matrix analysis was applied to evaluate the developed strategies for the implementation of the water conservation management. The results showed that firstly, water resources conservation network played an important role in water conservation management in the river estuary. Secondly, the structure of the people's network was another key factor in the management due to their intention to improve the environment. Finally, the comprehensive SWOT-TOWS Matrix analysis indicated possible strategies for the water conservative implementation which consisted of the participation of developing leaders in water resource conservative management with the government and private sectors, and developing of village learning centre. This finding showed that the participation of the community is necessary for management to preserve water resources and achieve sustainable development goals. In order to obtain the participation, guidelines for the development of people's networks for water conservation is suggested. Furthermore the structure and roles of group as well as patterns and roles of people’s network participation are also recommended for successful management to improve the water quality problems.