Participatory Workshop Evaluation of Nature-based Solutions for the enhancement of urban water security in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Published September 17, 2025 | 5-minute read
ENG
THAI
Workshop Overview
Global climate change is causing significant alterations in the water cycle, precipitation patterns, and water security in both urban and rural areas. In Thailand, the rapid pace of urbanization and changes in land use have disrupted the natural hydrological cycle and heightened risks of water shortages. Chiang Rai, located in the northern part of the country, faces growing concerns over water security due to climate variability, increasing demand from urban expansion, and recurring drought and flood events. Many communities in the province, particularly those in peri-urban and rural areas, still experience difficulties in accessing clean and reliable water sources.
Traditionally, built infrastructure has been the primary method for water management. However, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are emerging as an alternative approach that provides multiple benefits by enhancing community resilience and supporting ecosystem sustainability. In Chiang Rai, water management challenges are rooted in climate change vulnerability, limited infrastructure, and fragmented institutional approaches. Although national-level programs have been implemented to improve water supply and sanitation across Thailand, locally tailored strategies that integrate NbS remain limited.
The project investigates water security challenges in Chiang Rai by analyzing current water availability, potential shortages, and the functioning of water supply systems. The second phase explores appropriate NbS interventions through literature review, stakeholder engagement, and assessment of environmental and socio-economic issues, supported by tools such as WATSAT. In the third phase, selected NbS are implemented in Chiang Rai to evaluate their effectiveness and feasibility in strengthening water security. Finally, the project focuses on capacity building and knowledge sharing by identifying institutional and technical gaps, developing actionable recommendations, and organizing training courses and workshops.
This participatory workshop focuses on water security issues, impacts of floods and other climate hazards, and adaptation planning for Chiang Rai, Thailand.
Objectives of the workshop
- Explore what the current water security scenarios are.
- Explore possible adaptation strategies and co-develop an ideal community to floods and other climate hazards.
Date and Location
- Date: 15 September 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Location: Imperial River House Resort ➡️ Google Maps
Summary of the Workshop
On September 15, 2025, a workshop on “Nature-based Solutions for Enhancing Water Security in Chiang Rai” was held at The Imperial River House Resort, Chiang Rai. The workshop was attended by 25 participants from a variety of organizations, including the Chiang Rai Provincial Irrigation Office (RID), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Chiang Rai Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, the Chiang Rai Provincial Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), and the Chiang Rai Municipality. The primary objectives were to explore current water security scenarios and to co-develop ideal community adaptation strategies to address water-related hazards.
The workshop began with opening remarks from Mr. Kanchit Chomphudang, Director of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) in Chiang Rai.
Dr. Natthachet Tangdamrongsub and Mr. Akkharaphan Thaweesak, project researchers, then provided an overview and objectives of the research project. The project focuses on utilizing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to tackle water security issues in Chiang Rai, which are compounded by climate change, rapid urbanization, and recurring droughts and floods.
Mr. Tapanan Chiravichichai from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) presented on the impacts of water-related disasters and how NbS can be used as a mitigation approach. Following the presentation, participants engaged in a series of participatory group activities:
Understanding the Impacts
Participants analyzed the effects of floods and other climate hazards on diverse population groups, including women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. They also discussed barriers that these groups face in accessing early warnings and support.
Designing the Ideal Village
This collaborative session focused on designing a resilient community. Key design factors considered included:
- Making housing flood-resilient while ensuring affordability.
- Developing resilient infrastructure, such as transportation and sanitation systems.
- Ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, and livelihoods for all social groups.
At the end of the activity, each group presented their collaborative designs, which were then compared to AI-generated images to provide a clearer vision.
The workshop concluded with a summary and closing remarks by the research team, who underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration for long-term water security solutions. Certificates were also presented to all participants as a token of appreciation for their valuable contribution.
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