SUSTAINABLE URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: A CASE OF NONG SAMET SUB DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, MUEANG TRAT DISTRICT, TRAT PROVINCE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64186/jsp3934Keywords:
Environmental management , Sustainable city , Local environmental administration, Nong Samet Subdistrict MunicipalityAbstract
This qualitative research aimed to 1) study the situation of urban environmental problems in Nong Samet Subdistrict Municipality, 2) analyze the management of urban environmental problems in Nong Samet Subdistrict Municipality, and 3) propose policy recommendations for sustainable urban environmental management in Nong Samet Subdistrict Municipality. The study employed the concepts of sustainable livable cities, urban environmental management, public policy, and public participation as its conceptual framework. Thirty-six key informants were purposively selected, comprising the mayor, the sub-district headman (kamnan), municipal council members, municipal officers, village headmen, the president and members of the local "Rak Lok" (Love the Earth) volunteer group, and residents within the municipality's area. Field data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
The findings revealed that Nong Samet Subdistrict Municipality is currently in transition from an agricultural community to a semi-urban community, giving rise to two dimensions of urban environmental problems: 1) pollution and waste problems, including air pollution from rice-stubble burning, water pollution from agricultural chemicals and wastewater discharged from business establishments, as well as increasing volumes of household waste and litter in public areas in line with community expansion; and 2) green space problems, whereby public parks lack adequate safety and lighting. In terms of management, the municipality has continuously implemented measures such as issuing municipal by-laws to control wastewater, distributing organic waste bins, organizing community waste-collection activities, and maintaining public green spaces. However, limitations remain in terms of authority, personnel, equipment, and legal regulations, which currently cover only newly constructed buildings. The findings led to two policy recommendations: 1) developing municipal by-laws to be practically enforceable and to cover existing establishments, and 2) systematically and continuously promoting public participation through volunteer networks and public forums, in order to elevate the role of the public from service recipients to participants in decision-making, thereby contributing to sustainable urban environmental management in Nong Samet Subdistrict Municipality.
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