2011年-世界发展银行全球_Thailand_Environment_Monitor___Integrated_Water_Resources_Management_-_A_Way_Forward_77页_2mb

Summary of "THAILAND ENVIRONMENT MONITOR: Integrated Water Resources Management: A Way Forward"

Core Content

This document provides an overview of the state of water resources in Thailand and discusses the challenges and opportunities in implementing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). It highlights the importance of IWRM in addressing water scarcity, pollution, and social conflicts, while promoting sustainable development and cooperation among stakeholders. The report also outlines the institutional and legal frameworks in place, the role of key agencies, and the need for better coordination and community involvement.

Main Points

1.1 Why IWRM?

• Water Scarcity and Pollution: Water is a limited, difficult-to-control, and easily polluted resource, which can lead to social conflicts and public health issues.
• Economic and Social Value: Water is essential for human life, ecological balance, and socioeconomic development, but its availability is uneven and under increasing pressure.
• IWRM Definition: IWRM is a process that promotes the coordinated management of water, land, and related resources to maximize economic and social welfare while preserving ecosystems.
• Key Principles:
  • Water is a finite and vulnerable resource.
  • Water management should be participatory and involve all levels of society.
  • Women play a central role in water provision and management.
  • Water has economic value and should be treated as an economic good.
• Global Perspective: IWRM is considered a global strategy to reduce conflicts and promote sustainable development, especially in regions with competing water needs.

1.2 Implications in Thailand

• National Policy: IWRM has been recognized as a key strategy for sustainable water management in Thailand for over 15 years.
• Institutional Development: 25 River Basin Committees (RBCs) have been established, and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) is leading the implementation.
• Legal Framework: Efforts to promulgate a water law have been ongoing, but political instability and lack of legal clarity have delayed progress.
• Community Involvement: There is a need to introduce IWRM to local communities and ensure their participation in planning and management.
• Challenges: RBCs face limitations in capacity and performance due to lack of institutional responsibility, limited budgets, and ineffective cooperation among agencies.

Key Information

Water Resources Status in Thailand

• Surface Water: Thailand has 25 river basins and 254 sub-basins, with rainwater being a primary source. The West basins have the highest storage capacity but the smallest irrigation area.
• Water Storage: Current water storage is about 37% of annual runoff, but usable water is less. Expanding storage requires local community acceptance.
• Floods and Droughts: Over 300 villages are at high flood risk, and nearly one-third of the country's area is at medium or high risk for drought. Droughts cause significant damage to agriculture and industry.
• Groundwater: Groundwater is used extensively, but its potential and extraction are under pressure.
• Water Quality: While water quality is generally acceptable, one-third of rivers are highly polluted.
• Watershed and Land Use: Watershed protection is critical for sustainable water management. Land use changes and deforestation contribute to resource degradation.
• Wetlands and Fisheries: Wetlands are under threat, and fisheries and aquaculture negatively impact these ecosystems.

Water Resources Under Stress

• Economic and Population Growth: These factors increase water demand and pollution. Urban dwellers use more water, and demand is expected to rise by 35% in 20 years.
• Poverty and Agriculture: Over 65% of agricultural areas lack good water access, and farmers are vulnerable to climate change and water-related emergencies.
• Climate Change: Increases the frequency and severity of floods and droughts, particularly in the Northeast region.
• Need for Governance: Improved water governance is essential to manage competing uses and ensure sustainable development.

Policy, Institution, and Management

• Legal and Institutional Frameworks: Several legal and institutional structures exist, including the National Water Resources Committee (NWRC), River Basin Committees (RBCs), and the Mekong River Commission (MRC).
• Key Agencies: MONRE, DWR, RID, and EGAT are the main government agencies involved in water resources management.
• IWRM Implementation: Despite national policy support, implementation remains challenging due to institutional fragmentation and lack of coordination.
• Budget and Planning: Budgeting for water resources is inconsistent, and local government support for IWRM is limited.
• The King's Projects: These predate IWRM and offer valuable lessons in water management and community engagement.

Challenges and Way Forward

• Coordination Gaps: The disconnect between IWRM planning and budgeting processes remains a major issue.
• Recommendations:
  1. Strengthen DWR and MONRE: Enhance their capacity for IWRM at both national and basin levels.
  2. Improve RBC Operations: Establish clear procedures for connecting RBC priorities with national and local agencies through budget planning.
  3. Support Community Activities: Promote community involvement in IWRM, especially in priority basins.
  4. Develop IWRM Investment Projects: Focus on priority basins like Ping River, Bang Pakong, Kong/Chi/Moon, and Songkla Lake.
  5. Leverage MRC Experience: Utilize MRC's technical assistance and cooperation model to replicate IWRM in other river basins.

Priority Basins

• Ping River, Bang Pakong, Kong/Chi/Moon, and Songkla Lake: These are identified as key basins for IWRM investment and development.

Conclusion

The report emphasizes the need for stronger institutional frameworks, improved legal provisions, and active community participation to effectively implement IWRM in Thailand. It also highlights the importance of learning from the Mekong River Commission's experience and the role of international donors in supporting IWRM initiatives.