Have implemented a watershed management strategy based on location specific diversity of aquatic species
Watershed Management Strategy at Prince of Songkla University has been done through the mission of several faculty related to Environment, such as the Faculty of Environmental Management, Hat Yai Campus, and the Faculty of Technology and Environment, Phuket Campus. This has developed to leverage its expertise in research, innovation, and community engagement. This strategy focuses on integrating science and technology to secure the ecological integrity and sustainable use of its primary focus areas: the Songkhla Lake Basin, the Gulf of Thailand, and the Andaman Sea.
Comprehensive Watershed Management Strategy:
1. Research and Innovation for Aquatic Ecosystem Health
The faculties conducts specialized, solution-driven research in Watershed Management aimed at enhancing aquatic biodiversity and human well-being. This strategic focus includes:
- Wastewater Treatment Research: Developing and implementing practical, innovative Wastewater Treatmentsystems to prevent the discharge of pollutants into the region’s sensitive coastal and lake environments.
- Waste Management Initiatives: Conducting research and implementing programs related to effective Waste Management to curb contamination and the flow of debris into major water bodies.
2. Academic Service and Continuous Monitoring
The Faculties provide tangible academic services critical for maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems:
- Water Quality Testing: The Faculties offer professional Water Quality Test services to government agencies, the private sector, and local communities. These reliable test results serve as a fundamental tool for continuously monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems, assessing pollution risks, and informing timely interventions.
- Integrated Environmental Monitoring: Utilizing advanced tools to gain comprehensive data on environmental conditions and risks.
3. Geospatial Technology Integration (GIS) and Capacity Building
The Faculties extensively utilizes Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technology to ensure management is data-driven, precise, and widely applicable. This technology is integrated across three core pillars:
- Teaching: Integrating GIS into curricula to train a new generation of environmental professionals with strong spatial analysis skills for resource planning and management.
- Monitoring: Employing GIS, satellite imagery, and other tools (such as online sensor networks) for continuous Monitoring of watershed changes, pollution dispersal, and the impacts of climate change across the focus areas.
- Training: Conducting comprehensive Training programs on GIS tools and data analysis techniques for external personnel and local communities, empowering them to manage and resolve watershed issues effectively and sustainably.
4. Related Research Center involved in Watershed Management
Coastal Oceanography and Climate Change Research Center (COCC) WEBSITE
Coastal Oceanography and Climate Change Research Center (COCC) is a leading center on marine environmental research and education. COCC has initiated a long-term project “Ocean health for sustainable well-being” aiming to enhance ocean resilience through 1) research, 2) education and 3) outreach activities. We are fully committed to increasing knowledge and understanding of our marine ecosystems, leading to science-informed management and mitigation strategies.
GEO-Informatics Center for Natural Resources and Environment (GIS) and Southern Regional Center of GEO-Informatics and Space Technology (SOUTH-GIST). The center offers geo-informatics, natural resource and environment database covering 14 southern provinces. The database consists of different layers including layers of administrative zones (provinces, districts, sub-districts), locations of districts, municipality zones, locations of villages, contouring, river basins, aquifers, national reserved forests, conserved forests, forest zoning, geology zones, land utilization zones, water ways, water sources, locations of irrigation work, locations of ground water, locations of industrial factories, locations of tourist attractions and locations of importance places etc.https://gispsu.net/frontpage
The training program, "Geospatial Information System for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Monitoring and Planning for the Songkhla Lake Basin," held on September 5, 2024 (supported by ESCAP), is a direct application of this strategy, focusing on location-specific management of Songkhla Lake Basin with focusing on monitoring, and planning to support the aquatic species diversity within the ecologically sensitive lake basin.
Faculty of Technology and Environment (FTE) at Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus (PSU Phuket), led by Dr. Jaturong Kongkaew (Associate Dean for Administration and Human Resources), Assoc. Prof. Thongchai Sutheerasak, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Weranan Songsom (FTE lecturers), officially delivered a water flow distribution model (a hydrological model) designed to mitigate the impact of landslides in the Khao Nak Kerd area of Phuket Province. The model was received by Dr. Somkid Chokhong (Advisor to the Phuket Governor), the Deputy Mayor of Karon Sub-district Municipality, and representatives from the Phuket Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office and the Provincial Public Works and Town Planning Office. Following the submission, construction blueprints were prepared on September 20, 2024, to proceed with the implementation based on the model.