Loei River Conservation through Environmental Process (THA-01-10)

Project Details & Results

Capacity-building/demonstration of community approaches for the conservation of the river through seminars, training, study tours on the subject of chemical-free agriculture ,garbage management and biogas production. Members of 8 villages in Muang, Wangsaphung, and Erawan District are target population.

Project Results
1. Approximately 6-8 tons/year of compost are being produced from market waste.
2. Water quality was upgraded through apparent odourless, colour change, more invertebrates and increased members’ leisure activities along the spot.
3.The flower plots contributed a saving of about Baht: 5,000 for decorating flowers required for the Songran festival.
4. Emergence of 42 demonstration plots of 10 ha. 30 tons/year of compost were produced replacing chemical fertilizer by 25 % thus resulting in savings for members.
5. Emergence of 11 biogas pits in three villages reducing the dependence upon fossil-based cooking gas by approximately 128 kg /year/family


Participatory Evaluation: ( On 1 March 2003 )

Participants: 94 participants from target communities, other stakeholders , ex-GEF/SGP grantees and local mass media (radio station and newspaper).

Methods: One-day open forum where target communities presented their experience in carrying out project activities then opening for questions and additional comments/suggestion.

Impact: Before, the term “conservation of environment and natural resources” was not familiarized to communities, especially, of agricultural ones. The term was perceived to belong to and be taken care by mainstream educated personnel and government agencies. Now, after direct and indirect involvement in the project, the perception began to take a new form. Communities set to congregate into groups, both big and small, tight and loose, familiarize themselves with the issues and gain confidence to think and act environmentally-friendly. These could be witnessed through emerging open forums in villages, official and un-official meetings in which government sectors offered sufficient cooperation. Besides, visits from non-project groups was observed to be fairly regular.

Future Plan:

1. Local Schools Group: Participating students and teachers partake activities of Provincial Youth Forum. Supported by the Bureau of Health Promotion, Ministry of Public Health and Toxic-free Agriculture Network of Thailand, two open forums /campaigns at provincial level were planned.
2. Target Groups: Project members are part of the first group while project activities are to be kept on. Seven members applied for membership of the to-be established Biogas Fund.