HII and NXPO Collaborate with Water Innovators Nationwide to Develop Academic Paper on Hydro-Informatics and Water Management Innovations for Thailand’s Future
20/09/2024
On July 27, 2024, Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESRI), presided over a seminar on developing the academic paper “Hydro-Informatics and Innovation for Future Thailand” at the SCI POWER FOR FUTURE THAILAND Fair at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok. The seminar was a collaboration between the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) and the Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII). Key speakers included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patamavadee Pochanukul, Director of the Office of Science Promotion and Innovation Policy (STI), Dr. Siriporn Pittayasophon, Acting Director of NXPO, and representatives from community water management networks across the Northern, Northeastern, Central, and Southern regions. Dr. Royboon Rassamethes, Director of HII, moderated the event.
Ms. Supamas emphasized the critical importance of water as a resource for life, economic development, and national security. Effective water management has become a major challenge for Thailand, especially as climate change and natural disasters become more severe. In the face of growing international trade regulations, the seminar aimed to raise awareness and gather input from all stakeholders to develop the academic paper “Hydro-Informatics for Future Thailand,” which will serve as the basis for a comprehensive policy white paper.
“This policy is crucial as it will guide the systematic use of innovations and information technology in water management. It will promote the development of skilled personnel in water management, aligned with the needs of the agricultural sector and tailored to Thailand’s context. It will start with community-level water management, strengthening both water resources and community capacity, and ultimately supporting sustainable water management at the provincial, regional, and national levels,” said the MHESRI Minister.
She further affirmed MHESRI’s commitment to supporting research and development and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government to develop technology and innovations that truly meet the needs of the country. This includes mechanisms for technology transfer to practice and personnel development to enhance their ability to use modern technology in water management. The Ministry has supported the development of various technologies and innovations, such as flood and drought forecasting systems, satellite imagery, and geoinformatics technology for water management, as well as applications for real-time water monitoring accessible to the public.
During the seminar, Dr. Royboon presented the Royal Initiative on Community Water Management using five dimensions: 1) Headwater areas—restoring deforested hills, constructing check dams, wet forests, firebreaks, and planting multi-purpose trees; 2) Medium- to small-sized reservoirs—restoring forests above reservoirs and implementing pond networks; 3) Flood and drought-prone areas—developing water sources, monkey cheeks, floodwater catchment channels, water management infrastructure, and agroforestry systems; 4) Downstream ecological balance—managing freshwater, brackish water, and wastewater; and 5) Community economy—developing new theory agriculture and community welfare funds.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pattamavadee highlighted the need for equitable water management to ensure shared benefits during droughts and floods and reduce conflicts among water users. She noted that while Thailand has numerous water management agencies, a lack of integration hampers effectiveness. The goal is to design systems that ensure water security in terms of quantity and quality, benefiting all sectors—agriculture, industry, and services.
Dr. Siriporn shared NXPO’s efforts to integrate higher education, science, research, and innovation (MHESRI) into water management to mitigate risks. She emphasized the role of community water innovators in maintaining and managing systems in collaboration with various stakeholders. NXPO will use insights from the seminar to inform the forthcoming policy white paper.
Dr. Siriporn stated that currently, there are agencies operating at various levels. At the policy level, there is the Policy Council chaired by the Prime Minister, with NXPO serving as the secretariat. There are personnel from 174 universities nationwide, organized into five working groups. Additionally, there are nine research and funding units collaborating to consolidate policies and work as a team through available channels, while also connecting with agencies outside MHESRI to drive tangible outcomes.
The seminar was attended by representatives from various provinces with diverse geographical contexts and water management challenges. HII has worked with local communities to develop community water management plans using STI and local wisdom, achieving model community successes. These efforts have expanded, with HII mentoring communities and creating networks that collaborate with the Royal Irrigation Department and local agencies, leading to significant improvements in flood, drought, wastewater, and saline water management.
