Fsiulty ot' Enr~irorrmrnrand Kest~urcrSludirr. M a h i d r ~ l l i n i v r r s l i c Bangkok Thailand Country Development Partnership for the Environmenr 1 Civil Society Partnership: Thailand Country Development Partnership for the Environment (CDP-E) hn3~ %ar.mcd.ayvi?wasa"iS ~a.mj15.211Sws6 Mr. Ian Grange amz~~~lamjln~u~~bazw?w"wnsrnan.li UWI?WPJ~~'UU~%IW ijii$~w"i~n~ ~m:Ba~a~~~a"uu~ra:w?wainr~ip/lmf uwia"wuia~uu~~n;la 999 w.maieri ~ias?eywsu~wn ~dmf~nunsdp 70 731 www.m.mahidol.ac.th, E-mail: deanal@mahidol.ac.th Zajw"4 w9n. 2ZunanlsZuw" huauGwi' 500 aiu ig,nsin~2546 I S B N : 974-05-0189-3 2 TliaiIand Country Development Pamenflip for the Environment T a b l e of C o n t e n t s Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................... 4 Executive Summary...................................................................................................................... 5 Chapter 1 The Process and Methodology 9 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 9 Objectives ............................................................................................................................... 9 Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 10 Stage 1. An analysis of the existing state and capacity of the environment ............11 Stage 2. Consultation with all environmental stakeholders to identify and prioritize the key areas to target for sustai~rabledevelopment ......................11 Stage 3. Fomulati~iga work program with benchmarks ............................................12 Stage 4. Implementation and monitoring the program .................................................. 12 Stage 5. Review and update of the program ................................................................13 Chapter 2 Interviews with Leading Environmental Thinkers 14 List of the Leading Environmental Thinkers Interviewed ............................................... 15 Summary of the Key Points from All the Interviews .....................................................15 Present Problems ................................................................................................................. 16 Reasons for the Problems ................................................................................................... 16. Mitigation of Problems ....................................................................................................... 17 Future Trends ....................................................................................................................... 19 The Leaders Roles in Problem Solving ............................................................................20 The Roles of Civil Society ................................................................................................ 20 Chapter 3 Results of the First Consultation Workshop Entitled 'Current and Future Approaches to Environmental Management in Thailand' 21 Cooperation / Partnership ...................................................................................................22 Governmental Section .........................................................................................................23 Knowledge / Perception ...................................................................................................... 23 Public Disclosure ................................................................................................................. 24 Thailand Country Development Partmcrship for rhe Env~ronrnenr 3 Media ................................................................................................................................... 24 Funding ..........................................................................................................................25 Keg Issues Identified for lmmediate Attenlion ......................................................................25 Chapter 4 Results of the Second Consultation Workshop Entitled 'Key Environmental Problems in Thailand: A Civil Society Perspective' 26 The Present Environmental Situation..................................................................................26 Causes.................................................................................................................................... 27 Mitigation ............................................................................................................................. 27 Policy and Management Approach ....................................................................................27 Issue Based Managerrlent Approach ..................................................................................28 Chapter 5 Key Proposals and Analysis and Policy Issues: The Policy Development Matrix Table 30 Knowledge Building ...........................................................................................................31 Communication and Public Awareness .............................................................................32 Fundamental Shift in Thinking / Attitude Towards Nature ............................................32 Public Participation and Strengthening Communities ......................................................32 Decentralization and Local Decision Making .............................................................. 33 Role of Civil Society ..........................................................................................................33 Role of International Funding Agencies (World Bank .....................................................34 The Policy Development Matrix Table ............................................................................35 Appendix 1 ...............................................................................................................................39 List of Participants at the One-day Consultation Workshop Entitled 'Current and Future Approaches to Environmental Management in Thailand' Appendix 2 ............................................................................................................................... 40 List of Participants in Two-day Consultation Workshop Entitled 'Key Environmental Problems in Thailand: A Civil Society Perspective' Appendix 3 ...............................................................................................................................41 Thai Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and World Bank (WB) Partnerships Appendix 4 ...............................................................................................................................42 Bangkok Post Report 6 April 2002 4 Thailand Country Development Parinership for the Environment Acknowledgements We would first of all like to acknowledge the tremerldous input that we have received horn the many civil society groups, NGOs and other people organizations, the media, academics and leading thinkers. Their feedback has been an invaluable source of information that has made such a project as this possible. In addition, we would also like to thank Dr P. Illangovan, Senior Environmental Spccialist with the World Bank and Dr Nat Pinnoi, Project Economist with the World Bank for their support and comments. Finally, we would like to thank Ms Suriyaporn Aniwan for her diligence and hard work at each stage of the project. Thc Faculty or Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Thailand Thailand Country UeveIopment Pa~mershipfor the Environmenr 5 Executive Summary The objective of the present report was to assess the perspectives of civil society and community groups in terms of environmental and natural resource management in Thailand. Specific aspects related to this were the assessment of the main environmental issues; the management decision making process; and peoples' awareness of environmental issues. A number of consultations were made with representatives and groups from Thai civil society. The first stage was lo interview twelve of the leading environmental thinkers in Thailand to get their views and opinions on the current factors affecting the environment in Thalland at present, and how these factors may change in the future. The second stage was to have a one-day consultation workshop with representatives from conservation groups, the media, Lhe senate, donor agencies and research institutes to assess current forms of cooperation and partnership, the level and type of Governmental involvement, the use of knowledge, the roles of media and donor agencies. The third stage was to have a two-day consultation workshop with civil society groups, NGO's, media groups and donor agencies in order to assess the present and future management approaches to issue-based problems and their solutions. The final stage was to syrllhesize all these ideas into a usable form consisting of a policy development matrix table. The current situation of environmental and natural resource management in Thailand .were seen from many different levels and perspectives throughout the investigation. In general, people tended to see the problems from the immediate level focussing on direct associations with their lives and less attention was given to the macro-perspective of the problems. The following key areas were identified in the present investigation: Lack of appropriate environmental education that incorporates aspects of local peoples' knowledge / wisdom. Lack of knowledge, either from inadequate research or from inaccessibility of existing knowledge due to inadequate database systems or inappropriate formats. The existing approach to assessing and solving environmental problems is fragmented with lack of coordination between concerned agencies and lack of consultation with local people. 6 Thailand Country DercIopmw~LPatnetship for the Environment The decision-making processes and environment management implementation are not transparent and are monopolized by influential people such as politicians and business people, excluding others such as members of local communities. Lack of good leadership amongst civil society groups, together with inadequate organization and networking, between groups. These main issues were then discussed in the context of two main approaches that were identified as being: 1) a policy and management approach including aspects of the State, networking and communications, the learning process, environmental knowledge development and management organization at the provincial level were discussed; and, 2) an issue based management approach in which solid waste, water resources and pollution, air pollution in big cities and forest resources were used to form the basis of discussion. The approaches taken to mitigate the environmental problems were then proposed and these fell within the following categories: Knowledge building: Knowledge needs to be obtained in an interdisciplinary forum including local knowledge as well as modem approaches. The information needs to be reliable and as true as possible and also needs to be accessible for all. Communication and public awareness: There needs to be frequent environmental awareness campaigns with these being reinforced by good environmental reporting in the media. Civil society groups and networking need to be developed further. Fundamental shift in thinking / attitude towards nature: people need to change their attitudes towards the enviro~mlentwhich considers the whole system rather than the individual. Public participation and strengthening communities: Civil society groups need to havc training in participatory methods. Selection and training of good leaders as well as better distribution of power between all involved is necessary. Decentralization and local decision making: Communities need to have more involvement in the decisions that affect their lives and there needs to be more transparency in the decision making processes. 7li-hailandLbuniry Developmcr~rPartnership for the Environment 7 Role of civil society: Civil society groups should include a wide spectrum of stakeholders and more cooperative mechanisms need to be developed between these groups and others such as Govemment and business. Role of international funding agencies (World Bank): The World Bank should work more in cooperation with local people who have a high level of project ownership. Funding should be supplied to local projects as directly as possible, probably at the provincial level, preferably not through the Statc. Finally, the ideas that were discussed were brought together into a format that could be incorporated into the Policy Development Matrix with appropriate benchmarks. The Matrix represents a preliminary framework outlining: (a) reform priorities; (b) implementation benchmarks; and (c) capacity building. The reform priority areas were: (1) environmental education; (2) enhancing institutional efficiency; (3) strengthening decentralization & participation, and; (4) sustainable investment in environmental protection and conservation. For each of these priority areas, key objectives from each of the consultation processes were identified and incorporated into the Matrix Framework and are described as follows: (I) Environmental Education: increased environmental education through schools / universities; to merge local knowledge / wisdom with conventional natural, physical and social sciences to improve environmental management; greater environmental awareness through the media; support for an 'Environmental Journalist Group'; database of information that is transparent and accessible to all; to achieve a fundamental shift in thinking towards nature. (2) Enhancing Institutional Efficiency: The mechanisms of management regarding the sharing of information about the environment and environmental issues between communities, institutes and government agencies. Enhancement of Govemment departments efficiency / functioning. (3) Strengthening Decentralization and Participation: more equality in the decision-making processes. Greater inclusion of community in this process. 8 Thaiiand Coo~llryDevelopment P'armen-hip for the Environment to increase community networking / community empowerment. greater role of civil society in fundraising. (4) Sustainable Investment in Environmental Protection and Conservation. to deliver a 'package' of funding attached to a training / education discussion forum with a high proportion of civil society / community involvement. establishment of mechanisms that allow institutes / organizations, such as the World Bank, to deliver funds in a more direct way to civil society / community groups, reducing the bureaucratic process. that funds be supplied to projects on the basis of a complete, independent assessment of those projects for their impact on the environment and livelihoods. to determine the role of international funding agencies. The Matrix will form the basis of an overall and explicit plan in which the environmental issues can be discussed and priorities, programs and benchmarks formulated. In addition, the CDP-E's principle of 'common stewardship' will allow agencies and partners responsible for each activity to identify any gaps or areas of overlap. Therefore the CDP-E can be used as a tool to manage and monitor the implementation of each activity. Thailand Country Development Partnership for the Environinent 9 Chapter 1 The Process and Methodology Introduction In line with the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers of the World Bank and IMF, the present report describes the objectives and the process that has taken place in Thailand as it has developed the Country Development Partnership for the Environment (CDP-E). Objectives The objectives of involving civil society in the CDP-E process are to: I. Integrate different perspectives for environmental management priorities in Thailand into CDP-E by drawing on local knowledge and expertise; 2. Ensure that the concerns of the poor and vulnerable who are most affected by environmental and resource degradation are reflected in CDP-E; 3. Improve the quality of decision making in environmental management, and increase the programs transparency and accountability by encouraging citizen involvement as equal partners; 4. Promote public awareness of environmental issues. Civil society consultation is an ongoing process to ensure continuous participation at all stages of decision making including planning, implementation, and evaluation. The purpose of the CDP-E is to draw upon the government's environmental protection and natural resources conservation policies as well as voices from key civil society and community groups to formulate actions that will lead to tangible results. 10 Thailand Country Developmenr Partnership for the Environment The CDP-E is prepared with the govemment and other stakeholders including academia, people organizations, media, and donor organizations in a participatory way to benefit the country's needs, and ensure effective resource allocation. Participation helps to improve the quality, effectiveness, and sustainability of the program; and strengthen ownership and co~nmitmentof govemment and other stakeholders. The CDP-E integrates the objectives of relevant existing national and international environmental policies and programs' to formulate a holistic approach to natural resource and environmental management. In addition, the CDP-E includes input from a significant cross-section of society to ensure realistic and sustainable goals are set. The main participants in the CDP-E will be relevant government agencies, civil society organkzations, the private sector, and international agencies. Methodology 1. An analysis of the existing state and capacity of the environment 2. Consultation with all environmental stakeholders, with special emphasis on civil society groups, to identify and prioritize the key areas to target for sustainable development 3. Formulating a work program with benchmarks 4. Implementation and monitoring the program 5. Review and update of the program A brief summary of each of the stages is given below. Only stages 1-3 are described in the present report. Stages 4-5 will be implemented later. 1) The 1997 Thailand Constitution: s 56 and s 290. 2) Governmental Policy: Natural Reso~lrcesand Environmental Policy, (Drlivered to the National Assembly 26 February 2001). 3) Nmth National Economic and Social Development Plan (2002-2006). 4) The 20-year Policy and Perspective Plan for Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality. 5) The Enhancement and Coraelvslion of the Environment Quality Act 1992. 6) Agenda 21 and The Millenium Development Gnals. 7) Strategies and action plans prepared by international agencies Thailand Country Development Partnership for the Environment1I Stage 1. An ,analysis of the existing state and capacity of the environment The state of the environment following thirty years of high economic growth prior to the economic crisis of 1997, and subsequently, has been severely impacted and fundamental resources such as clean air, water and land depleted. The 1997 crisis revealed the previous period of economic growth was unsustainable. Furthermore as a result of the crisis, environmental issues such as water quality, air pollution and sanitation have received less government and societal support. Stage 2. Consultation with all environmental stakeholders to identify and prioritize the key areas to target for sustainable development a) In order to achieve a broad base perspective on the current state of the Thai environment, professional interviews were carried out with leading thinkers in contemporary Thailand. Key questions were asked that would enable a synthesis of which dircction to pursue in subsequent workshops to be held that would further focus the project's aims. In all, twclve of the leading thinkers on the environment were interviewed. b) A one-day consultation workshop entitled 'Key Environmental Problems in Thailand: A Civil Society Perspective' was held on 8 March 2002 at the Miracle Grand Hotel, Bangkok. The concepts of the CDP-E and the scope of the issues were discussed. Some input from the initial interviews of key thinkers were used and 2 main components were focussed upon as follows: problems of environrncntal and natural resource management in Thailand, and; the role of civil society. The participants, numbcring eighteen in all were from a wide variety of Civil Society Organizations (please see Appendix 1 for the list of participants). c) A two-day consultation workshop was held entitled 'Current and Future Approaches to Environmental Management in Thailand' which focussed on key issues that had been identified through processes a) and b). The objective of this workshop was to: assess these issues in terms of how they are currently being dealt with; who is responsible for this; discuss the best ways to solve the 12 7hailand Country Developrnenr Panershrp for the Environment problems related to the issues; and identify the roles that stakeholder groups (civil society, World Bank, etc.) can play in this process. The participants in this workshop were from a wide spectrum of society with representatives from NGOs, academia, civic groups, and the media. The NGOs included groups that campaign on issues of conservation, agriculture, industry, energy, consumers, develop~nentand women and youth groups. Media groups were represented by national newspapers, television, and community radio. Twenty-four participants attended the workshop. Participants split into discussion groups and were encouraged to critically analyze the issues that had been identified as well as to include their own experiences. The results of the discussions were presented to the wider group and further analysis and synthesis was made, bringing together ideas into a format that could be incorporated into the Policy Development Matrix with appropriate benchmarks (please see Appendix 2 for the list of participants). Stage 3. Formulating a work program with benchmarks A fra~r~eworklaid out by the World Bank was used as a model in which to approach the synthesis and implementation of the CDP-E as follows: A Policy Development Matrix represents a preliminary framework outlining: (a) reform priorities; (b) implementation benchmarks; and (c) capacity building. At the end of the process, the Matrix was revised, to include activity elements under each proposed reform priority and to reflect the perspectives of civil society. In addition to the Matrix, 'issue based' reform priorities were identified and strategic activities under each issue were also specified. Stage 4. Implementation and monitoring the program The three strategies listed above provide a broad framework and structure within which there are many key specific environnier~~aland cross-cutting issues that need to be addressed. Thailaod Counny Dcveloprnent Partnership for the Environment13 The development matrix will form the basis of an overall and explicit plan in which the environmental issues can be discussed and priorities, programs and benchmarks formula~ted. In line with the CDP-E's principle of 'common stewardship' the matrix will allow agencies and partners responsible for each activity and identify any gaps or areas of overlap. Therefore the CDP-E can be used as a tool to manage and monitor the implementation of each activity. Stage 5. Review and update of the program Every six months a review will be hosted by a different partner to ensure a common stewardship approach. A six-monthly review would aim to:- Measure the success of the initiatives against implementation benchmarks. Identify problem areas and develop solutions. Obtain partner feedback and adjust the CDP-E as required. 14 Thailand Countq Dev*lopment Partnership for the Environmmi Chapter 2 Interviews with Leading Environmental Thinkers Interviews were carried out with leading environmental thinkers in contemporary Thailand (listed below). The interviewees gave their response to key questions and their answers gave an idea of the current problems with the Thai environment. In addition, their opinions were sought as to what possible solutions may he available in tackling such problems. Finally, they were asked to give their thoughts on the future directions or approaches to environmental problems and management strategies in Thailand. The interviews and ideas have been synthesized into nine main area? and are presented in summary form below. Many of the interviewees tended to expand upon the given questions into areas not specifically in line with the objectives of the present report. Such additional infonrlation was however valuable and aspects of these extra comments were also included in the research findings below. The key questions asked were: Thailand Country Dcveloprnenl Parmer.ship for the Envi~on,.nenr15 1. What are the most serious / critical factors affecting the environment in Thailandl? 2. What are the present internal / external factors affecting the environment in Thailand? 2.1. What are the major factors (priority factors) at present? 2.2. What are the major factors likely to be in the future? 3. How can the environmental problems that you have identified be solved? 3.1. What role can you and others play in approaching a solution? 3.2. How can you and others influence mechanisms for solving the problems you have identified? 3.3. What is the potential role of civil society? List of the Leading Environmental Thinkers Interviewed 1. Khun Suluck Sivaraksa Social Thinker 2. Professor Niti Eawsriwong Academic 3. Professor Saneh Chammarik Human Rights Commission 4. Dr Juree Vijitwatakarn NIDA 5. Dr Surapon Sudara Sueb Nakasatien Foundation 6. Khunying Chodchoi Soponpanich Senator 7. Dr Mingsan Khaosaard Chiang Mai University 8. Dr Somsak Sukwong RECOFT 9. Khun Sanitsuda Eakachai Media 10. Dr Chayan Wantanaputi Chiang Mai University 1 1. Professor Ammar Siamwallah TDRI 12. Khun Anand Panyaratchun TEI Summary of the Key Points from All the Interviews The main points that wcrc raised by the interviewees were identified and categorized as far as possible into the main areas of the Thai environment and the approachcs that Government and Society take in aspects of environmental and natural resource management. The comments given below may have been made by one or more of the interviewees. The numbers in parenthesis indicate which of the interviewees made the comments with this corresponding with the numbered name list given above. 16 Thailand Counrry Dcvclopn~nzlParmership for the Environment Present Problems There is an imbalance in nature. It is becoming less sustainable. (1, 2, 8) Environ~rientalpolicy makers consider environmental problems in fragmented ways. Most have little knowledge of ecology and the problerns are not considered in a holistic way. (3, 5, 7) The practitioners who follow the environmental management policy are often biased, corrupt or have some self-interest. (4) Pollution management criteria cannot control the problem. (6) Environmcntal management problems do not include or follow local traditions in communities especially in resource sharing, allocation and accessibility. Moreover, outside factors also affect the management procedure. (10) The lack of understanding about poverty and rights in resource accessibility cause conflicts between local people, politicians and businessmen, particularly for water resources in Thai society. Often mistakes are made when applying solutions to environmcntal problerns. (3, 4, 9, l I. 12) Social conflicts. (5, 11) Political and economic systems cannot be separated and these result in the capitalist having more political power. (3) Local people have no chance to balance power with other groups. (3) There are different opinions amongst academics from different disciplines, for example; physical scientists often agree that technology can cure environmental and resource management problems without giving importance to human factors. On the other hand, social scientists tend to place more emphasis on the 'people factor' saying that it is possible for people to live alongside nature in a benign way whilst making a living from the available natural resources. (1, 10) Reasons for the Problems The demands for resources, especially water, increase following the populatio~~ growth and the different opinions of the stakeholders. (11) Local people have no rights and no support to look after their own resources and to access other resources because the State and influential, usually wealthy, people want to monopolize the resource and its management. (8, 9, 12) Thailand Counrry Development Partnership for the Environment 17 Power distribution is inappropriate at the moment because the quality and quantity of key people who are able to lead grassroots movements, NGOs and communities are inadequate. Morcover the power distribution is connected only with the giving of money and is not related to the making of sound decisions as regards resource distribution and management. (2, 7, 12) Bccause the civil society sector is not strong enough, when the State tries lo encourage their strength this results in negative feedback, for example, the '1 Million Baht Village Fund Scheme' apparently weakened comrnunitics. (4, 9) The people responsible for solving problems, including people from the State, often have an incorrect understanding and inadequate or no knowledge of environmental management often resulting in damaging effects. These same people also give more importance to economics of the situation without considering the social impacts. (3, 4, 5, 7) The middle classes and the media do not understand the causes of the problems. They think local people are thc main cause of violence which stops developtfment. (3, 9) The State and the power holders have no confidence in local peoples' opinions or they look down upon local belief and so they do not give local people the opportunity to assess their performance. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12) Administration structures of environmental and resource managcrnent by the State is fragmented and this causes conflicts of interest and blurred policy. (9) The State relaxes regulations and as a partial consequence of this, the people responsible for polluting have reduced awareness in maintaining the environtfment. (6) Problem solving sometimes have few options and no one wants to study local wisdom. Most of the time the manager chooses technology only to solve the problem. (2, 10) The informal education system and people participation in resource management is not included in the curriculum. In addition, the information and databases about resource management that are available through the State curricula is difficult to understand by outsiders or lay people. (8) 18 Thailand Country Development Partnership for the Environment Mitigation of Problems The use of Thai traditional knowledge and technology will help to solve the natural imbalance that is occurring. We should provide options for the problem solving process, for example by breaking down the problem into component projects with each project being harmonized with ecological niches and the needs of people in communitics in each of the areas. (1, 2, 8) Problem solving must be based upon the ability of people to use their environment and resources in a sustainable way. This does not however, mean that resources are out of bounds. (4, 8) Provide more power to the Department of Pollution Control in terms of controlling polluters and punishing offenders. (6) Provide rights to the people in resource management by supporting their activities and creating new laws and regulations. (9, 11) To make environmental awareness campaigns aimed at both local pcople and the business sector. (4, 6) Use regulations to reinforce social pressure in terms of the environment and resources. (6) The State, academics, NGOs and civil society have to work together and respect each other. This combined group has to encourage and support local wisdom in resourcc management that is academically accepted and responds to the needs of local people. If anyone wants to bring western knowledge to solve the problem, he/she must be aware of the ways and functioning of local communities. (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10. 12) The media has to adapt and change thcir approach to making news concerning thc civil society sector. In addition, the media needs to understand the 'big picture' of the problem before investigating specific issues. This will help the media to present the news correctly. At the same time, they should present to the general public good examples of environmental and resource management that have been carried out by the local people. (8, 9) The making of an EIA report has to be transparent and understandable. The author or authors have to be unbiased and they should not be employed or otherwise associated with the owner of the project. (5, 11) Thailand Country Development Partnersl~ipfor the Env;ronment19 The person who will mediate between the State and the people must be respected by society as a whole and they need to begin mediation for development projects at an early stage of the process. (4) To change the educational system in order to place more emphasis on the importance of local wisdom and to encourage the actual implementation of such information into the curricula. (1, 9) The funding agency has to monitor and prevent environmental impacts of all development projects. (10) The research fund has to have a clear policy in supporting efficient researchers in order to create useful research. (10) The capitalist system should be corrected in order to close economic loopholes. (1) Future Trends The future direction of environmental and natural resources management is a main focus of this present report. The interviewees were asked for their ideas and opinions as to what they thought would happen in the next few years in terms of the environment and natural resources in Thailand. The main issues were identified as follows: Environmental probleins and conflicts of interest will increase and the level of violence will increase. If political factors and the Parliament system are not more democratic and the process of people participation in resource management are not allowed, then conflicts will increase. (7, 9, 11, 12) There is no environmental management policy for tourism resulting in detrimental environmental impacts. (6) The capitalist system will create more or greater problems or difficulties; and the system will result in conflicts between local people and project developers. (10) 20 Thailand Cornmy Developme~lrPartnership for the Environment The Leaders Roles in Problem Solving The roles of the leader are many: to educate people to develop a new body of knowledge; to find new strategies for environmental and resources management; to participate with local people in projects; to inform people of their basic rights; and, to find ways in which to strengthen communities. (1, 2, 3, 4. 5, 7, 8, 10) Leaders need to apply research outcomes into policy by transferring the knowledge through the media and academic meetings. They want the middle class to understand the problem correctly. (10) Initiate training programs for local people in environment and culture. (7) To continually make environmental awareness campaigns aimed at local people, business sector and other sectors. (6) Leaders should stimulate the media to understand the whole picture of the problems and present news to the middle classes correctly. (8, 9) To generate new researchers who are able to integrate conventional science with traditional knowledge with this 'new generation' of scientist being able to fully understand the process of people participation. (8) The Roles of Civil Society The civil society sector has to work together in environmental management, especially in project transparency and accountability. Civil society has a role to play in networking and promotion, for example better cooperation and common understanding between it and the media would clarify many 01the problems of the State and private sector. (4, 6, 8, 11, 12) There is a need for civil society to actively seek out local leaders who are able to lead communities and to enable better environmental management. (6) The civil society sector needs its own media in order to provide knowledge and reliable information because the current mainstream media channels are presently under State and business control. (2, 9) Civil society needs to promote themselves in terms of the successes they have had in environmental and resource management. This will allow the general public to know of their activities and to show their potential as well as stimulate the learning process of the community networks. (8) Thailand Country Developme~lrPartnership for the Environmenl21 Chapter 3 Results of the First Consultation Workshop Entitled 'Current and Future Approaches to Environmental Management in Thailand' The concepts of the CDP-E and the scope of the issues were discussed. Some input from the initial interviews of key thinkers were used and two main coniporlents were focussed upon as follows: problems of environmental and natural resource management in Thailand; and, the role of civil society. There was an informal approach to the facilitation of the workshop creating a relaxed environment in which participants were encouraged to speak freely allowing for open and frank discussion. Management problems were the initial focus of discussions followed by issue based problen~s,all within the context of environmental and natural resource management and the role of civil society. The participants attending the first consultative workshop (please see Appendix 1 for the list of participants) suggested the following ideas, proposals and points for discussion: 22 Thailand Country Development Partnership for the Environment Cooperation / Partnership In ordcr to promote a multidisciplinary approach with the different perspectives of various stakeholders, there should be more cooperation from sectors that are concerned with the environment, either directly or indirectly. These include the funding and industrial sectors. Presently, the industrial or business sectors have an increascd awareness uf environment problems and sometimes attempt to solve such problems. An example is the 'Green Supply Chain' which stipulates that any of the products it supplies should not in any way harm the environment, either in production or use. This then leads to the question of how to set up a supporting mechanism for this and in what form this should be in order that all can be included. 'Fragmentation management' or 'section management' leads to poor environmental management by the multitude of concerned agencies. Lack of political will to resolve these problems, only compounds such matters. This also leads to an atmosphere of mistrust between agencies: governmental agencies vs. NGOs; governmental agencies vs. people; people vs. people, NGOs vs. people. The question is, how can we foster greater 'trust' and 'equity' within our society? The identification of a "Key Person" from the community, who is trustworthy and dependable and can act as a focal point through which to coordinate action between groups. At present there is a lack of these 'key people' or 'change agents'. Wc therefore need funding and training opportunities to identify and train these key people. Existing models of this include projects funded by the Social Investment Fund (SIF). That is how to increase the independent perspective within the community and reduce dependence on government in terms of environmental managemcnt. There is much value to be gained from analyzing environmental problems from the sociological and anthropological perspective. The sociologist should play a more important role in creating environmental solutions. Thailand Country Der,elopment Partnership for the Eiivironrnenr 23 How can we produce a support organization, at the provincial level, that is able to assist the community in terms of 'knowlcdgc management' and in the administration and coordination? How can we increase networking between NGOs that are actively working in communities, to work cooperatively and in a sustainable way? There should bc civic forums that enable the needs of the people to be recognized amongst the support groups from outside. The provision of professional process facilitators who are able to improve the administration of civil society groups and networks. Governmental Section Monopoly politics and corruption have become familiar and acceptable within Thai culture. How can we make a transparent and accountable system that can be assessed independently? The "Polluter Pays Principal" legislation must be widened and enforced. How call we develop a mechanism of environmental awareness? Although there is much discussion on this matter, the awarcncss mechanism has not been apparent, especially in terms of contributions from people e.g. payment for water treatment, a consumer tax etc. More support for increased environmental awareness campaigns may be one way forward. Knowledge / Perception Current knowledge and environmental information arc inadequate and/or inaccessible. How can we produce a specialized environment organizati~onthat is able to gather and analyze information and disseminate to the end user or encourage existing organizations to do this work. Examples of these include the District Administrative Organizations, National Statistical Office (NSO) and the Office of Agricultural Economics as well as Universities. 24 Thailand Counhy Development Parrnnship for the Environment Educational and governmental institutes should play more important roles in the community in terms of knowledge management, starting from primary level to higher education Public Disclosure Information must be seen as being one of the most inlportant elements in solving cnvironmental problems. Therefore we need to ensure that people can get access to this information. This might be seen as being one of the basic requirements for good governance. Media Community radio has the potential to be one of the most effective tools for communication between communities that reflect the needs of the grassroots community and as a way to publicize these needs to the wider community. Communication issues related to the environment are often complex and they frequently receive small amounts of attention from the media. The mcdia tends still to focus on political issues or other general interest news items whilst cnvironmental news tends to be reported as a separate item often out of context. How can we give more prominence to the integration of environmental news and how can we produce an organization that supports better quality news reporting? There should be more pressure exerted from the community on the news editors to report better quality news. Media should play more of an investigative role. How can we encourage and strengthen thc reporting of environmental news in ways that can be used to support environmental journalists and existing groups to fulfill their best potential? One such method might be to fund the media or reduce tax payments for producing environmentally related audio-visual programs. Another method may be to place greater emphasis on public radio as a media of reporting. mailand Country Development Partnership for the Environment25 Funding When considering aspects of environmental management as being self-sustaining, how can we increase the idea of independent, perpetual fund raising within communities? Funding, should preferably be from a domestic source. This could be limited to a 'Government Endowment Fund'. In addition, the fund management, whether supported by an 'assistant information organization' or - not should be conducted directly by the community or civil society groups. Another funding organization is COD1 or Community Organizations Development Institute, which supports the community that proposes their own self-thinking development plan. Key Issues Identified for Immediate Attention Towards the end of the workshop participants were asked for their input in identifying key issues that require addressing. These issue-based problems were identified as follows: Water management, waste and hazardous waste management Forest conservation and forest as a natural resources asset. Population growth rate, especially the ratio of the population numbcr and the natural resource base. 26 mailand Country Development Parinemhip for the Environment Chapter 4 Results of the Second Consultation Workshop Entitled 'Key Environmental Problems in Thailand: A Civil Society Perspective' Participants were asked to consider what they thought were the main problems of environmental and natural resource management in Thailand, together with thc main causes of these problems. They then suggested and discussed management approaches as ways to mitigate such cnvironmental problems. Please see Appendix 2 for the list of participants. The Present Environmental Situation 1. All resource systems are deteriorating: ecological systems are losing bio-diversity, soil fertility is declining, water pollution is increasing, forest are being depleted, drought and flooding are occurring more frequently etc. 2. Resource accessibility causes conflict of human interests, for instance, conflict of water demand in the lower northern region and between farmers from the lowland and hill-tribe people. 3. Rural migration to urban areas caused by the shortage of land can also lead to increases in solid waste. 4. Mega-development projects of the State and trans-national corporations such as dam construction, potash mining, incineration plants are damaging communities and the environment. Thailand Counhy Development Partnership for rhe Environment27 Causes State policy: Encouraging development projects; Weak management mechanisms and weak law enforcement; Monopoly of power and control of resources / community rights; The ideology of capitalism, emphasizing profit making and ignoring local wisdom. Consumerism (influence of politics, business, internationalization): Resource utilization in development pr-ojects; Tourism / trade; Plantation / use of chemicals; Culture, ways of life, human behavior, changing ways of thinking (ideology): Reducing quality of human resources; Lack of awareness; Weak civil society: No participatory planning of environmental organizations resulting in repetition of the same work; No working links and continuity of the state and local comrnunilies; No information / database systems; Local people feel helpless and without hope. Mitigation There are two approaches: Policy and Management Approach Stakeholders who mitigate environmental problems comprise local people organizations, government organizations, private enterprises, NGOs, and funding organizations. Participants in the workshop suggested that: The State: The statc should change ways of thinking and work with people, starting from the grassroots, by working with communities sharing skills and knowledge. 28 Thailand Country Developmenl Pamenhip for the Environmenl Networking: All stakeholders work together: In developing their common vision or environmental plan; To make new rules under the new constitution; To use social networking in environmental monitoring; Encouraging the learning process: Process development of conflict resolution; Training community leaders to be more efficient; To encourage regular meetings between stakeholders such as women's organizations, youth groups, disadvantaged groups etc. Environmental knowledge development: The setting up of an institution of knowledge management for the environment; Raising knowledge level; Program development for the enhancement of local community awareness; Increase community communication systems: The media and civil society organizations should provide knowledge to communities in aspects of current affairs and the environment. To develop the new generation: To provide the new generation with concepts of conservation. Review of local knowledge and culture: Related to management of resources and development. Management organization at the provincial level The hope would be that this would be the coordinating organization between stakeholder networks and supported by the 'Provincial Fund'. Issue Based Management Approach Solid waste: To reduce the volume of packaging; To separate wastes for recycling; To decentralize managenlent units to the communities; To encourage people to study on programs of solid waste management. Water resources and pollution: Encourage local people and civil society organizations in any river basin areas to make up a watershed management plan; To have regular meetings every 2 -3 months; Thailand Counoy Development Patnel-shipfor the Environment 29 To restructure water management systems through civil society partnership: To establish local groups to monitor water pollution along waterways. Air pollution in big cities: Civil society should participate in investigations of old cars and their emissions; Increase vehicle tax in order to decrease the number of cars; Increase efficiency of public transportatiori systems. Forest resources: To set up a working committee to survey forest dwelling communities. The committee should comprise of stakeholder groups who have direct interests in the forest resource. Civil society sector has to understand the 'Community Forest Act' because this is related to all stakeholder groups. To include greater participation of the Tambon Administrative Organization (TAO) and local communities in budget allocation and management. 30 Tl~ailmdCountry Develcpenr ParmetsI~ipfor the Environment Chapter 5 Key Proposals and Analysis and Policy Issues: The Policy Development Matrix Table A synthesis of the solutions to the environmental problems was made from each of the consultations as described in Chapters 3 to 5 with the key environmental thinkers and the community organizations. The following categories were established: 1. Knowledge building 2. Communication and public awareness 3. F~~ndamentalshift in thinking 1 attitude towards nature 4. Public participation and strengthening communities 5. Decentralization and local decision making 5.1. Tambon Administrative Organization (TAO) or local administrative authorities 5.2. Peoples' forum and support mechanisms 6. Role of civil society 6.1. People sector at the provincial level 6.2. Set up "Provincial" funding / local lenders 7. Role of intcmational funding agencies. Thailand Country Development Partnership fol the Environment31 Some of the main points that were made regarding the synthesis of the solutions to the environmental problems are now presented: Knowledge Building Knowledge should consist of a correct understanding or awareness of the real s~tuation. A possible pathway or mcchanism for this to occur might be the reform of the education system combining together local knowledge with knowledge from overseas. Some of the factors related to this were as hllows: a) Interrelationships between components in ecological systems. b) Understanding poverty in relation to the environment and not from the stand point of monetary values. Emphasis should be placed on self-sufficiency and on the use of social indicators. c) Increased knowledge should enable better natural resource and environmental conservation and management. d) Impacts of development projects under a capitalist and consumer society need to be examined and assessed. e) Peoples' rights should be a major consideration in relation to resource acces sibility. Academic institutions and researchers have to create knowledge by combining local knowledge / wisdom with science in order to manage the local environment. Academia needs to work alongside the local people at the provincial level and one way to enable this to happen would be to have a database of reliable information that can be accessible to all parties that would in turn enhance learning amongst all groups. There is a need to build up a 'new generation' of researchers to use more appropriate research approaches enabling better understanding and research that will yield the true reasons for problems and enable practical solutions to be implemented. For such a course of action to take place there needs to be financial support from a funding agency. The creation of the process for identification of knowledge and local wisdom in Asia across boundaries (please see Appendix 3 for more details). 32 Thailand County Development Partnership for the Environment Communication and Public Awareness Local people, including civil society groups, together with the business sector should campaign about the environment continuously in order to raise peoplcs' awareness. Local people should have thcir own media to transmit and cxchange ideas. Journalists should report news in an unbiased and independent way and the media has to reflect the needs of the grassroots. Radio has been suggested as being one of the best forms of media for this. If environmental news is to be reported upon, then it is better to give examples that have already been successful and that will inspire and stimulate interest to othcrs. Creation of linkages and mobilization of political policies in political mechanisms in Asia to institute policy changes that go bcyond national interest, loyalty and boundaries (please see Appendix 3 for more details). Fundamental Shift in Thinking 1 Attitude Towards Nature Many of the interviewees described the need for people to make fundamental changes in the way they think and in their attitudes towards their immediate e~lvironmentand the wider natural world. There should be a move from placing emphasis on self-promotion with monetary objectives towards having greater consideration for the society and natural wvrld as a whole. Public Participation and Strengthening Communities There should be a process of selecting good leaders or 'key people' with appropriate training to create professionalism. These people will then be well placed, in positions of management, withln the civil society network and will enable the movement as a whole to move forward. People and communities need to be strengthened in their abilities to plan and implement sustainable resource management strategies. Community networking, emphasizing participatory approaches in working together would help in strengthening communities. Civil society has to work togethcr with researchers and government officers to achieve results. People have to work together to investigate / monitor transparency as well as to balance power between all parties. Thailand Country DeveIopmenf Partnership for the Environment 33 Decentralization and Local Decision Making Administration rcsponsibilities for financial transfers and human resomce management should be distributed more evcnly from the central administration to the local administration. Local people need to know what their local rights are in terms of natural resource and cnvironrnental management. These rights may need some revision and new laws created to enact them. .a Frequent complaints are directed at the management of the Government with one main problem being that it is fragmented in its structure and there are many conflicts of interest between the different organizations with unclear / blurred policy. The local community therefore feel alienated from the decision making process and may feel that their best option is to help each other, independent of Government. To create new or proper mechanisms to support all parties including ci,vil society. These mechariisnis should include fund raising from sources to facilitate them. Successful implementation of such mechanisms would require training courses and exploration of strategies such as the 'Polluter Pays Principle' and new tax systems. The government should be encouraged to spend the budget more efficiently in both preventing environmental problems and solvirig them. Creation of civil society movements across boundaries (please see Appendix 3 for more details). Role of Civil Society The civil society sector should be seen as being more diverse than consisting of NGO groups only. There are a number of different groups and organizations that take part in environmental management including community organizations, philanthropic organizations and government agencies. There is a need to include a wider base of groups under the general heading of civil society. It is important to develop mechanisms to enable civil society groups to be able to work with other groups such as government. Emphasis should be placed on partnership development. Civil society needs to be a player in the establishment of provincial funds. Instead of decentralization as such, there needs to be ways to incorporate civil 34 Thailand Country Development Partnershy for orhe Environment society into the process. Provincial funds would be a tool that allows for the empowerment of local organizations. Role of International Funding Agencies (World Bank) The World Bank should encourage human resource development through personnel training and education programs, not only just supplying funds. When the World Bank wants to supply funds, this should be organized at the provincial level in order to encourage local and civil society organizations. Thcse funds should also be conditional on the supply of funds which are raised locally. It would bc bctter if the World Bank not only supplied funds through the state, but also through other channels, including communities and civil society groups. The World Bank should provide correct information to people. 0 The World Bank should not work independently, it should work together with local people, investigating problems and setting up support mechanisms. The World Bank support should not causc any damage to the environment and to the livelihoods of the community. The key proposals given in this chapter were synthesized into a framework outlining reform priorities, implementation benchmarks and capacity building with this reflecting the perspectives of the civil society sector. The Policy Development Matrix Table is a preliminary framework in which the synthesized key proposals already described, can bc incorporated and presented in a usable way. The proposed reform priority areas of the Policy Matrix Framework are as follows: 1. Environmental Education. 2. Enhancing Institutional Efficiency. 3. Strengthening Decentralization 8t Participation. 4. Sustainable Investment in Environmental Protection and Conservation. The Policy Development Matrix Table I Thai Environment Program / Implementation Benchmarks 1 Capacity Building and Projects 1 Environmental Education I I Objectives: Increased environmental education through schools / The Ministry of Education and Ministry of The development of environmental education universities etc. University Affairs to set the policy to incorporate materials to be incorporated into the curricula. 1 i environmental education into school and university Links between appropriate inst~tutcs curricula. Government agencies to be established to allow md 1 ) The number of schools / universities that have I such materials to be developcd. 1 environmental education on their curricula. Policy changes at the Ministry of Education level. To merge local knowledge / wisdom with Incrcasc in the number of joint environmental Technical assistance in participatory approaches conventional natural, physical and social sciences to projects between university or research organizations of research. improve environmental management. and civil society / communities. Introductory workshops between civil society / Increase in the number of 'new generation' community groups and academia. researchers. Proactive approach via research teams to obtain information from community groups. ( Greater environmental awareness through the media. . ) Increase in the number of environmentally related 1 Technical assistance and exchange workshops for I I news stories. Incrcase in the number of community media people. newsDaDers. newsletters &lor radio stations. Support of an 'Environmental Journalist Group' Support mechanisms of an 'Environmental Activities of 'EJG': sharing of information. Journalist Group' from the different forrr~sof linkages to academia and community groups, media. international linkages. Database of in for ma ti or^that is transparent and Establishment of a local national and international Technical assistance for the establishment of a accessible to al! database of accessible information for all, database information network. designed for local, national and international use. I To achieve a fundamental shift in thinking towards The number of civil society groups. media, The shift in thinking is likely to follow on from nature. schools, universities etc that are promoting these the incorporation of the points described above. approaches to ways of thinking. -- -- Thailand Country Developrnenr Partnership for [he Envh-onrment 35 Thailand Counrry Development Parn~ershipfor the Environn~enr36 I 1 Thai Environment Program Implementation Bench~narkr I Capacity Building and Projects Enhancing Institutional Efficiency Y The mechanisms of management regarding the Policy changes that encourage multidisciplinary a More transparency in types of research work sharing of information about the environment RL research and the transparency in obtaining data. 1 being conducted and transparency in deciding the environmental issues between communities, inst~tutes Number of linkages formed between these groups. relevance of such works. and government agencies etc. The number of joint projects which include a Technical assistance in capacity building and diverse range of stakeholdcrgroups (mullidisciplinary empowerment. approach) and the quality of partnership& within Establishment of freely available information these joint projects (e.g. transparent decision databases and associated mechanisms. This could making and financial control proccsscs). possibly be coordinated by one or a few a The number of database information sites, e.g. specialized organizations. libraries, internet, 'travelling workshops' ctc. are more in number and accessible to people (the numbers of people gaining access can be used as a benchmark indication). Establishment of mechanisms to support database information sites. I Enhancement of Government departments efficiency / Increased transparency in decision making Technical assistance for good governance. functioning. process. Reduction in departmental duplication of work / functions. 43echanisms incorporated to monitor transparency in decision-making processea. 1 1 1 - -- - -- - - - ~ Thai Environment Program Implementation Benchmarks Capacity Building and Proiects I IMore equality in decision-making processes. Greater numbers of community people on panels, Support in methods of selecting key people Greater inclusion of community in this process. committees etc. within communities from both government and ! Increased transparency in decision-making process civil society. and functions. Leadership training workshops organized by public and private organizations. Exchange workshops between civil servants and civil society groups to share experiences. To increase community networking / community Number of linkages developed / information Training in participatory approaches. empowerment. sharing / improvement in cooperation. Leadership training workshops. Implementation of self balancing mechanisms in Exchange workshops principally for civil society power relationships. to share experiences. Greater role of civil society in fundraising. Independent, perpetual fundraising within Technical assistance in fund management. / - ~ communities. [ Exchange workshops between civil society groups Funding from domestic sources such as a to share experiences. 'Government Endowment Fund'. Fund management by 'Assistant Information Organization' or the community or civil society 1 1 groups. Funds from international sources. Tliailand Country Development Partnership for the Environment 37 Thailand Country Development Partneml~ipfor the Environment 38 Thai Environment Program Implementation Benchmarks Capacity Building and Projects Sustainable Investment in Environmental Protection and Conservation ,Objectives: I 1 1 To deliver a 'package' of funding attached to a Number of projects that have characteristics of Technical assistance in participatory forms of training / education discussion forum with a high integration and civil society / community training. proportion of civil society / community involvement. ownership. Establishment of mechanisms that allow institutes / Number of projects receiving funds more directly Technical assistance in the establishment of organizations, such as the World Bank, to deliver i.e. through less chamcls, from funding agencies. mechanisms within institutional structures for funds in a more direct way to civil society / Proportion of total funds allocated that are reallocation of funds. community groups, reducing the bureaucratic process. distributed using the new mechanisms. Training of civil society / community groups in fund management. That rui~dsbe supplied to projects on the basis of a Before projects are implemented, an environmental complete, independent assessment of those projects and social impact assessment be carried out. correct standards of environmental and social for their impact on the environment and livelihoods. b The number of projccts being implerriented that impact assessment. have independent assessments prior to starting. To determine the role of international funding Number of joint projects with communities / civil Human resource development training. agencies. society and funding agencies. Quality of funded projects as determined using 1 the monitoring mechanism. High degrec of civil society / community input , into how funds are used and allocated. Thailand Country Development Partnership for the Envil-onment39 Appendix 1 List of Participants at the One-day Consultation Workshop Entitled 'Current and Future Approaches to Environmental Management in Thailand' (8 March 2002 at the Miracle Grand Hotel, Bangkok). Khun Rataya Chantien Sueb Nakasatien Foundation Khun Kitti Singhapat ITV Dr Pranee Pu~itumasinchai Environmental Engineers Association of Thailand Khun Sayamon Kraiyoonwong Project for Ecological Recovery Dr Nirun Pitakwachara Senator Khun Solida Salwara Friends of Asian Elephants Khun Bundith Kraivijit Friends of Asian Elephants Khun Samanun Pongsawang Friends of Asian Elephants Khun Wasan Techawongtham Bangkok Post Kliun Weeraboon Wisartsakul Social Investment Fund Khun Kanokwan Rubporndee Thai Environmental and Community Development Association Dr Tawinwadee Bureekul King Prajadhipok's Institute Khun Kamonthip Dolpittayathorntrai OEPP (Observer) Dr Nat Pinnoi World Bank Khun Pamornrat Tansanguanwong World Bank Mr John Morton World Bank Ms Emily Manchee World Bank Khun Sirinun Maitrawattana World Bank 40 Thailand Country Developmenf Partnership for orhe Environment Appendix 2 List of Participants in Two-day Consultation Workshop Entitled 'Key Environmental Problems in Thailand: A Civil Society Perspective' (2-3 April 2002 at the Royal Gems Resort, Nakornpathom). Dr Parichart Siwarak Academic Khun Sek Tuangphet Civil Society Organization: Chonburi Khun Anusom Sainapha Civil Society Organization: Chonburi Khun Kraingsak Phusrishom Civil Society Organization: Khon Kaen Dr Preecha Oui-trakul Civil Society Organization: Nakhon Ratchasima Khun Prasop Chan In-Ngam Civil Society Organization: Nakhon Pathom Khun Sutthipong Wasusopaphol Civil Society Organization: Nan Dr Bongkhot Napapong Civil Society Organization: Pattani Khun Lamai Manakarn Civil Society Organization: Pattani Khun Suradej Dejkhumwong Civil Society Organization: Pichit Ajahn Tuang Auntachai Civil Society Organization: Roi Et Khun Yongphan Phandongyang Civil Society Organization: Roi Et Khun Phanipa Sotthiphan Civil Society Organization: Songklha Khun Jirika Nutalai Community Organizations Development Institute Khun Srisuwan Janya Foundation for Anti Air Pollution and Environmental Protection Khun Chorthip Chaiyachan Foundation for Women Dr Eujit Virojtrairatt Academic Khun Anchalee Khongkrut Media: Bangkok Post Khun Surat In-Thongpan Media: ITV Khun Apichart ThongYhu Sawasdee Foundation Khun Anake Nagabutara Social Investment Fund Khun Piya Puangsanilee Social lnvestment Fund Khun Nongphan Chancharoen Thailand Environment Institute Tlxdand Country Developmelr Partnenhip for the Enviro~lmenr41 Appendix 3 Thai Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and World Bank (WB) Partnerships ti-ateglc ~ i s Forces c - p * k 'Achmcr How can we create an independent autonomous institute under the Constitution? Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA) are two approaches that are already implemented, and there is potential to establish these within an independent body. Social management in environment issues: Experience can be utilized from conflict management in order to obtan a consensus, changing the situation from confrontation to cooperation. Organization of the 'dynamic triangle': knowledge (K), social movement (SM), and political engagement (Pol). Each has to organize into this dynamic triangular structure and in the future, they need to begin to understand global issues that effect us all. Linkages can be formed between this triangle and GLOCAL (global & local). The linkages and associated systems can enable the use and accessibility of existing knowledge that can bring groups together which in turn can lead to partnerships with donor organizations such as the World Balk. In terms of the regional area of the Kiver Mekhong Basin, three major linkages can be considered: The need for the WB or other WB institutes to facilitate the development of the civil society networks. Training amongst innovators / facilitators / leaders of civil society groups. Extension and promotion of CSO leaders through workshops and other similar means. Establishment of social networks related to natural resources management in the whole of the Mekhong Basin area. Organic law: It is quite difficult to talk to government alone without the WB or other international body. How can we include civil society on environmental law issues? 4.2 Thailand Coonw Development Parmership for the Environment Appendix 4 Bangkok Post Report 6 April 2002 ENVIRONMENT Call to prevent misuse of funds Independent agency sought to handle it Anchalee Kongrut A World Bank representative and local environmentalists have urged the science ministry to let the Environment Fund be independently managed to prevent the fund from being misused in unproductive projects. They pointed out that 90% of the four-billion-baht fund had been spent in building garbage and waste-water treatment facilities, many of which were left unused, and the investment which was supposed to be loans was never returned to the fund. If the fund became an independent agency, it would be in a better position to invest in activities more beneficial 10 the public and the environment, they said. P Illangovan, the World Bank's senior environmental specialisl, told the Bangkok Post that the bank has tried to persuade the Science, Technology and Environment Ministry LOlet the Environment Fund and a division dealing with environmental impact assessment studies be run independently. The World Bank made the recommendation to the ministry as part of its programme to assist thc ministry in reslructuring its organisation. Suthee Yuenyong, an environmental lawyer, said the ministry had consistently rejected suggestions that the Environment Fund help support pollution victims either in their medical treatment or their legal redress. Staffers of the fund in the Office of Environmental Policy and Planning disagreed with the suggestion, saying the fund should be limited to projects that protect the environment and manage natural resources. "If the fund is used to support pollution victims, there will not be enough money to go around because there will be countless cases to help," said one of the ollicials who suggested that a separate fund be created specifically to help pollution victims. A high-ranking official said he supported the idea of an independent Environment Fund in principle. However, Apichai Chavacharernpun, deputy secretary-general of the office, said there were a number of obstacles to overcome before the proposal could be realised. sd"n5Cu sa.m.oy?ri? wasd1Z ~a.w5."aZwsEl"GanaGv Mr. Ian Grange 2 ni~~n~iulQa"nr:uaun1r5uni~&a~a:5uuui~~~d~fl~niriaufiu~~~~1ue~6nrnind~:vi5~nu buad.mislnlnaen#d~~a &umnir5~ilmm~d{Gi~1i~naiuG~lua"~wuluiuu 12 ri~ua$edinnu a au"il~ii.rm~uG~ua:w"~u:"~o~~~iawd~udo8~4u$i~aio~qw~~~aaam5ouluflo~fluaaa:aauai~unailr adduuudnjluouian &$2 adumr&uuihuiiu{aawuod6fl'dGi~iu~da~a("1~ou 6udr:neuhuG amuo.m'nroy?nBnu%~So&nrwiuui~on.au deuaavu au~%n!darn o.m6nr?u aarwliaunu%'u &:&odr:i2uamurnrdmaiu a a q \a -7 a 3 $ $ 7- Z l- c F 5 C a + LC 5 '2 3 2 E F s ag 5 ? F s 2 2 5 0 Vg-aZ -y s 2 2 E i2 -sE a 0 c a, G '72 z C z C 7 c oa, vx 4 w w 4 -4 5 d -d1er%aybvliadsit~81b%9d~u~1n7~1 : Thailand Country n - m w Development Partnership for the Environment (CDP-E) id 8 iiuinu W.R. 2545 tx b~ ~ 1 i u i k i ~ 6 a LIA~UA R:PIIIW~ :asnui