A Common Pool Resource (CPR) is a natural or man-made resource system with open or widespread access where the resources are depletable with increased use. CPR examples include forests, pastures, irrigations, rivers, lakes, and fisheries. This research examines a common pool resource in Thailand, i.e. a canal in Nonthaburi Province (NP). The canal, named Klong Om-Klong Bangkok Noi-Klong Bang Kruai, is utilised for agriculture, transportation, commerce, tourism and aesthetics. Currently, urbanisation threatens the canal through changes in land use along the canal. Also, an increasing amount of garbage and water hyacinths in the canal are degrading the quality of the canal environment and waterway transportation. The aims of this thesis were to identify essential factors in the canal system that support the success of collective action in environmental management. This study analyses CPR management in the NP canal system by applying design principles illustrated by long-enduring CPR institutions. These have been identified by Elinor Ostrom (Ostrom, 1990; 1992) and by analysing the situational variables as barriers or resources for collective action. / The research was conducted on five communities in Thailand. The primary data collection techniques were qualitative and consisted of two different interview processes and five focus groups. The interviews were completed with local residents and government officials while the focus groups were completed with individuals from five communities. The N6 computer program for handling qualitative data was used to analyse the responses. / Little evidence was found regarding collective action in conservation and protection of canal resources. Local people, however, in canal communities are aware of the importance of canal conservation and could potentially engage in collective action with an infusion of leadership and resources. In applying Ostrom's design principles, only those of graduated sanctions and minimal recognition of rights to organise appear to be somewhat satisfied. The first design principle of clearly defined boundaries, meanwhile, is in the process of improving. Examinations of situational variables indicate the presence of several nested enterprises but overall ineffective canal management. Water quality and the size and number of aquatic animals are currently poor compared to the situation in the past. Although canal appropriators are diverse, the patterns of water usage are similar and several laws exist to regulate canal access. / This research found that the factors influencing canal management are the lack of collective action among canal appropriators, previously unsuccessful conservation projects, the insufficiency of existing laws, absence of systematic monitoring, and the lack of a formal mechanism for canal conflict resolution. To overcome the problems identified with existing canal institutions, this thesis proposes a new 'Canal Resource Management Centre' (CRMC) to operate as a bridging institution between the central or provincial and local governments. The CRMC would encourage participation from different canal communities and it would organise and coordinate canal activities for appropriators, governmental offices and non-government organisations (NGOs). Engaging the financial and technical resources to protect and conserve these important remnants of traditional canal society in Nonthaburi Province would appear to be a sound investment for future Thai generations. / Thesis (MApSc(EnvironmentManagement))--University of South Australia, 2005.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/267379 |
| Creators | Karatna, Patcharasorn. |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | copyright under review |
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