Watershed Management and Classification in Thailand

Watershed and Environmental Management Program, Department of Conservation, Faculty of Forestrry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand

^* Corresponding author: fforppt@ku.ac.th

Abstract

Based on a study of research and experiences in Thailand, this paper provides an overview of the implementation and challenges of watershed management, as well as potential solutions. The review found hierarchical ambiguity, inconsistency, and asynchrony across rules, as well as a lack of (participation, synchronization, and coordination) among watershed management stakeholders. Deficitsin the planning phase include a lack of integration between sectors, a lack of community participation, and a limited willingness to integrate watershed planning into regional planning. Stakeholder participation is also essential for the successful implementation of degraded watershed rehabilitation, including in terrestrial forest and mangrove regions. Failure should be minimized by providing adequateknowledge about degraded watershed characteristics, selecting appropriate plant species, and employing good mechanical construction techniques for soil and water conservation. Increase public understanding of the importance of a sustainable watershed and provide opportunities for community involvement in each phase of watershed management to achieve community participation as the majordriver of watershed management. Another issue is data gaps, which must be addressed from the designthrough the evaluation stages. The gaps can be filled using remotely sensed data and hydrologically based modeling models. Simplified watershed assessment criteria may also be required, depending on site-specific challenges and the extent of the watershed.