NXPO and HII Collaborate to Develop Policy Framework for Hydro-informatics and Water Management Innovation in Thailand
20/09/2024
On May 8, 2024, the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) joined forces with the Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII) to host a public hearing on the policy framework titled “Hydro-informatics for Future Thailand: Informative and Innovative Water Management for the Country’s Future.” The event, held at The Berkeley Hotel, Bangkok, gathered key stakeholders, including community water innovators, provincial water information centers, the National Water Resources Committee, and representatives from academia and the agricultural sector.
Dr. Kitipong Promwong, Director of NXPO, and Dr. Royboon Rassamethes, Director of HII, presided over the event and exchanged views with participants on the policy framework. Discussions included input from community networks, the Provincial Water Information Center network, the Agricultural Council network, and local water innovators, with the aim to integrate feedback into the draft policy framework.
Dr. Kitipong highlighted that sustainable water management in the context of climate change and trade-related measures on reducing greenhouse gas emissions are critical issues. The policy framework aims to address these challenges by leveraging science, technology, and innovation. He emphasized that successful water management solutions require a combination of advanced technology and appropriate technology tailored to local contexts.
The hearing is a crucial step towards ensuring that the policy framework, developed by NXPO and HII, accurately reflects the needs of communities and supports Thailand’s future water management goals. Dr. Royboon stated that the hearing provides valuable insights from various stakeholders, including community water management groups and provincial water information centers. These insights will contribute to a policy framework that integrates top-down and bottom-up approaches, fostering sustainable water management practices from the community to the national level.
The event also featured a knowledge-sharing session titled “Hydro-informatics and Water Management Innovation for Sustainable Development,” showcasing successful projects from the Provincial Water Information Centers in Phrae, Lamphun, and Trang, and the Thung Song Municipality. Community water management networks, such as those in Kwan Phayao, Sala Din (Nakhon Pathom), Dong Khee Lek (Prachinburi), and Pa Phu Tham (Khon Kaen), also shared their experiences. Additionally, disaster early warning systems, including networks in the Nan and Pattani River basins, were discussed.
Dr. Royboon stated that the public hearing aimed to build awareness of the policy development process and gather input from relevant sectors to ensure the policy is effective and inclusive. HII, in collaboration with NXPO, held this hearing to create a policy that promotes systematic water management innovation, strengthening community water management and supporting sustainable water resource management at provincial, regional, and national levels.
The event featured knowledge exchange sessions titled “Hydro-informatics and Innovation for Water Management towards Sustainable Development,” showcasing successful case studies, including:
Provincial/Watershed Water Management Centers: Phrae Provincial Water Management Center, Lamphun Provincial Water Management Center, Trang River Basin Water Management Center, and Thung Song Municipality.
Community Water Management Networks: Local water management network of Kwan Phayao, Saladin Village, Nakhon Pathom Province, Dong Khilek Subdistrict, Prachinburi Province, and Phu Tham Forest Community, Khon Kaen Province.
Community-Based Disaster Warning Systems: Nan River Basin Network, Pattani River Basin Network.
Collaborative Networks: Provincial Agricultural Council Offices and Universities.
The insights gathered from the participants will be used to finalize the policy draft, which will be presented to the National Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Policy Council for further consideration.
