PARTICIPATION STRATEGY FOR CONSERVATION OF CHEDI BUCHA CANAL BY NETWORK PARTNERS OF NAKHON PATHOM CITY MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to 1) analyze the conservation of Chedi Bucha Canal using SWOT Analysis and TOWS Matrix, 2) create and develop strategies for participation in the conservation of Chedi Bucha Canal of the network partners of Nakhon Pathom City Municipality, and 3) evaluate the quality of strategies for participation in the conservation of Chedi Bucha Canal of the network partners of Nakhon Pathom City Municipality. The target groups were selected by purposive selection, namely, community leaders, volunteer leaders, religious leaders, community scholars, and local academics, totaling 14 people. The research instruments were a SWOT Analysis and TOWS Matrix form for developing a participation strategy for the conservation of Chedi Bucha Canal, and a semi-structured interview form. Research data were collected with the use of in-depth interviews. In addition, the data triangulation method was employed to verify the three aspects of the data as follows: 1) data aspect, 2) data collection aspect, and 3) creating conclusions and confirming conclusions. Data were analyzed using content analysis and core content analysis.

The research results have shown that Chedi Bucha Canal is a historically and culturally significant area, serving as a hub for collaboration among various sectors that play a crucial role in promoting the conservation and sustainable development of the canal. One of its key strengths lies in the robust and diverse network of partnerships, encompassing government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities. These stakeholders receive support from social capital as well as relevant institutions at both local and national levels. However, Chedi Bucha Canal faces several challenges, including budget and resource constraints, a lack of effective data integration, and limited public participation that does not yet encompass all community groups. In terms of opportunities, Chedi Bucha Canal holds great potential for development as a creative and cultural tourism destination, which could stimulate the local economy. Additionally, government policies support the restoration and development of local waterways, and there is a growing trend toward leveraging technology for canal management and expanding collaboration networks for enhanced efficiency. Nevertheless, the canal also encounters significant obstacles, such as climate change, pollution, and waste disposal, as well as urban expansion, which may impact conservation efforts. Furthermore, there is uncertainty regarding the allocation of government funding. Given these factors, the use of the TOWS Matrix has facilitated the formulation of strategic approaches to enhancing participation in Chedi Bucha Canal’s conservation. These strategies are categorized into four main approaches: Proactive Strategy, which focuses on developing creative tourism projects to generate income for the community while raising awareness about environmental conservation; Corrective Strategy, which aims to strengthen knowledge and skills within the community regarding canal management, as well as seeking financial and resource support from relevant organizations; Preventive Strategy, which emphasizes coordinating with network partners to monitoring and managing pollution issues, land encroachment, and the use of technology to assess water quality; and Responsive Strategy, which focuses on establishing monitoring and reporting mechanisms, as well as risk management plans to mitigate the effects of external factors such as climate change and environmental problems. Additionally, the development of participatory strategies among network partners within Nakhon Pathom City Municipality encompasses five key areas: systematic water management to maintain appropriate water quantity and quality, water quality control to reduce pollution in the canal, landscape and environmental improvement to support conservation and water resource development, cultural heritage preservation to promote the area’s unique identity and link it to tourism development, and public relations and awareness campaigns to foster understanding and encourage participation across all levels of society.