Participatory Risk Assessment of Nong Han Wetland, Thailand
キーワード:
Nong Han Wetland,
participatory risk assessment,
risk perception,
Integrated Water Resources Management
2019 年 10 巻 2 号 p. 27-33
詳細
2019 年 10 巻 2 号 p. 27-33
Recognised as a Wetland of International Importance, the Nong Han Wetland (NHW), in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand, was selected as a study site for a risk assessment, which is an integral part of wetland management planning. The study demonstrated the process and presented the results of a risk assessment adopted in the NHW. The research postulates a simple risk assessment framework, where stakeholder participation is the key element. Following Ramsar’s guideline, tailored to suit the objectives of the study, the risk assessment framework involved (1) identifying problems and risks; (2) quantifying risks; and (3) proposing prevention and mitigation measures. Data were collected via focus group and questionnaire. The total number of participants was 217 stakeholders from 49 villages in the NHW. Eleven issues were identified, namely: (1) an increase in aquatic plant growth; (2) sedimentation; (3) degradation of water quality; (4) reduction and extinction of indigenous fish species; (5) non-existence of water laws; (6) land-rights; (7) conflicts of joint natural resource utilization; (8) sufficiency of data and information; (9) flooding; (10) draught; and (11) climate change. Risks were evaluated and ranked in terms of risk perception, and participants from different locations perceived degrees of risk rather differently. Nonetheless, when all the participants were analysed integratedly, the highest common risks shared were an increase in aquatic plant growth, sedimentation, degradation of water quality, and reduction and extinction of indigenous fish species. In addition, a set of risk prevention and mitigation measures was also drawn from the participatory risk assessment process. The results could be employed as a guideline for future plans and interventions of the wetland management following the bottom-up approach adhered to the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles. The process not only drew conclusions and recommendations regarding risk management, but also created risk awareness and enhanced the degree of stakeholder engagement.
