PUBLIC PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THAILAND'S COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT : AN APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Environmental management is an important issue both globally and nationally. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Specifically, goals related to the environment include SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 Sustainable Production and Consumption, SDG 13 Climate Change Response, and SDG 14–15 Conservation of Marine and Land Resources. The Thai government has enacted National Environmental Quality Promotion and Preservation Act of 1992 to support sustainability operations at all levels. From local, national to international (Kanok Law, 2024) along with the establishment of 3 main environmental agencies, namely the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), the Pollution Control Department (DPRO), and the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion (DPHO) to support the achievement of the SDGs in a systematic way.

Of these, ONEP plays an important role in setting policies linked to the SDGs, such as increasing green space, reducing pollution, and managing natural resources. and maintaining the balance of ecosystems in both urban and rural areas. To promote long-term sustainable development. When considering the community level, problems of garbage, pollution, wastewater and the degradation of natural resources is a major obstacle to achieving SDG 11 and SDG 12. Therefore, public participation is the main mechanism for driving environmental management in the area. Many studies indicate that raising awareness giving knowledge and support from the government and private sectors Help communities deal with environmental problems in a concrete way. In addition, environmental management practices need to be consistent with the unique characteristics of the area, such as geography, way of life, culture, and urban development patterns. To be able to answer the real needs of the community which not only helps improve the quality of life of the people but it is also an important part in driving the country towards achieving the SDGs in a sustainable way.