The Development of Innovative Applications and Driving Mechanisms for Citizen Science Networks by Integrating with Buddhist Ecology Principles for Forest Fire and Smog Management in High-Risk Community Areas in Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This research aims to 1) develop an innovation in an application for communication, 2) develop a mechanism to drive a citizen science network by integrating Buddhist ecology principles, and 3) drive the management of forest fire and haze problems. The sample groups include 1) 300 people from the local community, and 2) 25 experts. The tools used include questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. The data were analyzed using content analysis and presented descriptively.     

The research findings revealed that 1) The development of the SAVE application is an innovation that emerged from the results of this research study. It was created using the Glide App platform, which focuses on communication and information sharing between organizations and the public. The content of the application includes current situation information, notifications, a resource database, and information sources, 2) The development of a mechanism to drive the citizen science network should focus on the process of building cooperative networks with academics, developing the capacity of organizations, and fostering local community networks. It should encourage the use of data for communication and collaborative learning. As for integrating Buddhist ecology principles, it should promote learning about interdependence and raise awareness in accordance with religious teachings to recognize the value of the environment. And 3) The management of forest fire and haze issues should be driven at different levels. At the upper watershed level, the focus should be on raising awareness and community participation through activities such as forest ordination and forest life rituals. At the middle watershed level, the emphasis should be on monitoring and prevention of forest fires and haze by creating firebreaks. At the lower watershed level, the focus should be on creating fertile areas and early warning systems through the construction of large water sources and the use of heat detection signal systems.