The Ping River ,one of the 4 tributaries of the Chao Phraya River, is a main river which
provides water for livelihood to northern and central region of Thailand.With the lenght of about 500 km., it joins the Chao Phraya River at Nakhornsawan Province and subsequently drains into the Gulf of Thailand in southern area of Bangkok.

The course of the river through Chiangmai province is nearly 180 km. It passes through the provincial town which is the residential area of nearly 400,000 population. The 2 crucial problems of the river are the municipal waste disposal and the unscrupulous personal desire for land area by intrusion into the river. While the former problem is attributive to the mere lack of conservation awareness , the latter is more complex. The intrusion is evinced by filling with soil and other materials and by other practices such as planting some aqua species that cause siltation. At many spots, the width of the river consequently become smaller and smaller.

Therefore, it is urgent for members of local communities to partake the responsibility in guarding against the waste disposal and intrusion into the river. The Ping River Protection Committee , an autonomous organization founded by communities since 1992, has been active in the environmental conservation activities in Chiangmai province, proposes and plans for the long-term measures to cope with these critical problems.

Project goals or objectives (including GEF problem-area addressed by projects):

1. To guard against the disposal of community waste and the intrusion into the Ping river
2. To formulate preventive measures which effectively apply the community participation in the protection of the Ping River
3. To set up a good example for other communities regarding the protection of rivers

Activities to be carried out under project:

1. To do the surveys , study and analyse of the situation as well as solicit comments from communities
2. To launch guarding activities along the target locations by staff members of the committee and volunteers, at a weekly basis
3. To disseminate the findings obtained in 1. & 2 to responsible agencies and wider audiences , through direct contacts and mass media
4. To organize seminars ,workshops and public hearings for collaboration and joint- campaigns
5. To initiate the amendment of related Municipality Acts

Project participants and/or beneficiaries:

The direct participants are members of communities in the target location and responsible government agencies at provincial level and local government units.

Anticipated results of project:

1. The nature and root of the causes of the environmental degradation of the river are
clarified both in quality and quantity terms. These terms are used as reference for immediate decision and action.
2. General population in Chiangmai Province is aware and eagerly participates in environmental protection
3. There emerge a networking of Chiangmai population active in protecting and rehabilitating the Ping river.
4. The project can present a good example for environmental and cultural conservation as well as eco-tourism.
5. There exists a municipality act to protect the Ping river through the consent and participation of Chiangmai communities.