On December 2, 2019, a high-level Inter-Agency policy dialogue was held in Bangkok between the Office of the Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) and the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). The dialogue addressed “the need for cross-agency and multi-level collaboration to make Thailand’s water resources management more climate-resilient in the face of the adverse impacts of climate change”. 

During the policy dialogue, different strategies were discussed “to strengthen the climate change adaptation measures”. One such strategy, which was discussed during the meeting “is the use of ‘green’ Ecosystem-based Adaptation or ‘EbA’ solutions that focus on the benefits from the restoration and sustainable management of natural ecosystems”. Another strategy, which was discussed, is the facilitation of hybrid measures. Hybrid measures are “(a mix of EbA and ‘grey’ measures that use more classical infrastructure and engineering structures”). 

The policy dialogue determined “the integrated use of scientific climate and risk information as well as data sharing between government agencies as a key field of work to drive the integration of adaptation at all levels in the Thai water sector”. In order to elaborate upon the policy dialogue between ONWR and ONEP, Dr. Somkiat Prajumwong, Secretary General, ONWR, stated, “ONWR as a regulating agency needs to work closely with ONEP to mobilise the integration of climate change into the water sector. I hope that Thailand’s efforts will be recognised on the international stage when applying various [climate change adaptation] options and mechanisms in line with international standards”. 

Finally, the outcomes of the policy dialogue “were reflected in two further workshops hosted by ONWR and Thai-German Cooperation (GIZ) on December 3-4 2019”. During the workshops, “participants were informed about Thailand’s climate change adaptation strategies and how the water sector can mainstream adaptation into their work”. The workshops also included “presentations on examples for climate-sensitive water management and the use of ecosystem-based solutions from the city of Cologne, Germany as well as a ‘5 Dimensions’ tool for assessing the level of mainstreaming in the water sector”. The workshops in-turn “provided Thailand with the opportunity to learn from international best practices and make best use of Germany’s support to drive the integration of climate change adaptation in the water sector”.

For more information about the policy dialogue and workshops, please visit https://www.thai-german-cooperation.info/en_US/onep-and-onwr-intensify-cooperation-to-mainstream-climate-change-adaptation-into-the-thai-water-sector/

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Activity Ranking: ***Right Direction

Through the inter-agency policy dialogue and workshops during December 2019, Thailand is moving in the right direction with respect to enhancing the water resources conservation efforts. The policy dialogue and workshops will further help in increasing the resilience of Thailand’s water resources from climate change. To make Thailand’s water resources climate resilient, advanced technologies and water-based adaptation projects will be enhanced. As an outcome, pollution from water sources will decrease, thereby strengthening Thailand’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, which aims at maintaining a healthy and clean water-body.  

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Take Action

To ensure that the policy dialogue and workshops during December 2019 remains effective in making the water resources resilient from climate change in Thailand, you can contact the members of the Office of the Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), with the following action alert message:

We congratulate the Government of Thailand for facilitating the inter-agency policy dialogue and workshops during December 2019. The policy dialogue and workshops are indeed vital for enhancing climate change adaptation efforts in Thailand and for ensuring that the country’s water resources remain climate resilient. In order to ensure that the policy dialogue and workshops remain effective in making Thailand’s water resources climate resilient, your role as a prominent member of the Office of the Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) will be vital. Here, I request you to consider two recommendations. First, I request you to kindly integrate water resources conservation measures under the climate change adaptation policies. This will help to ensure that Thailand’s water conservation measures align with climate change adaptation measures, which are in-place. Secondly, ONEP needs to actively coordinate and collaborate with agencies like Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), and Thai-German Cooperation (GIZ). Here, active inter-agency collaborations can be organised by having regular meetings and workshops. This in-turn will help in generating funds, projects, and technologies; to make Thailand’s water resources climate resilient.

 

Send Action Alert Message to:

Dr. Raweewan Bhuridej

Secretary General

Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning

60/1 Soi Pibulwatana 7, Rama VI Road,

Phayathai, Bangkok 10400 Thailand

Telephone: 0-2265-6506, Fax: 0-2265-6506

Email: rawewan@onep.go.th

Dr. Asadaporn Kraipanont

Deputy Secretary General

Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning

60/1 Soi Pibulwatana 7, Rama VI Road,

Phayathai, Bangkok 10400 Thailand

Telephone: 0-2265-6505, Fax: 0-2265-6506

Email: kasdaporn@gmail.com

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For more information please contact Climate Scorecard Thailand Country Manager Neebir Banerjee: Neebir@climatescorecard.org or neebirban@yahoo.com