Assessment of multi-functions provided by green wetland infrastructure in the Lower Chao Phraya River Basin | |
| Author | Apimuk Wichasorn |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.EV-18-02 |
| Subject(s) | Wetlands--Remote sensing--Thailand--Upper Chao Phraya River Constructed wetlands Upper Chao Phraya River (Thailand) |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Engineering and Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. EV-18-02 |
| Abstract | Wetlands are areas that act as green infrastructure that provide multi-functions to multi-stakeholder at multi-scale. However, wetlands in Thailand especially wetlands located in urban and peri-urban area have been decreased continuously and converted into other types of land use because of many threats such as rapid urbanization, population growth and economic growth. In addition, other main threats of wetland in Thailand was lacking awareness and knowledge on values of wetland. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of urban/peri-urban wetlands (e.g. lakes, ponds, marshes, river, canals, etc.) as green infrastructure providing multi-functions with main focus of wetland located in Lower Chao Phraya River Basin. This research was conducted as based on primary data collected from water quality analyses, questionnaire survey, interview of key informants, focus group discussion, and field observation, as well as from secondary data collected from various appropriated sources. In addition, there are various of tools were used in this research. Firstly, RS/GIS software was used to inventorize the numerous of wetlands located in LCPRB and demonstrate the land use and land cover changing in selected area. Secondly, DPSIR framework was used to demonstrate the situation of selected wetland and identify the appropriated plan for wetland management. Thirdly, the potential of multi-functions of wetland were identified by using Toolkit for Ecosystem Services Site-based Assessment (TESSA). From using RS/GIS software, it was found that approximately 8,671 km² (42.17%) of LCPRB were covered by wetlands while the wetlands were divided into two main classes comprising (i) water bodies (4.37%) and (ii) paddy fields (37.8%). Both classes of wetlands can be involved in effective flood prevention and be considered as vitally important green infrastructure. The analysis of water samples within Greater Lake Boraphetarea found that the values of BOD, Ammonia Nitrogen and Turbidity were beyond the standard. From analysis of DPSIR, it was found that the phenomenon of wetland is vulnerable to change with number of factors in the environment both physically and chemically and that it cannot be considered alone. Specifically, a cause effect relationship is established in which ‘causes’ area the driving forces and pressures like rapid growth of agricultural activities, weak wetland governance, land use and land cover change, and land encroachment, etc.; ‘consequences’ are the state and the impacts like water pollution, and degradation of potential of wetland. Direct form of recommendation should be implemented as a response i.e. appropriate resources management plan, conservation and restoration of wetland, and increase in collaboration between all stakeholders. Result from TESSA concluded that the five most important of Lake Boraphetare including breeding place for freshwater fish (85.8%), source of income (75.5%), source of food (71.8%), source of water for irrigation (70.9%), and place for drought mitigation (66.4%). TESSA also concluded that Lake Boraphetcan generate values in monetary terms to stakeholders annually through cultivated goods (2,437,000USD), tourism (372,696 USD), harvested wild goods (1,184 USD/household), and flood protection (8,223,117USD). In conclusion, the results of this study can be used as information for making of wetland policies and planning of development and management plan for wetlands. In addition, for further study, proper indicators should be developed for DPSIR analysis, and other ecosystem services should be evaluated by TESSA or other tools. |
| Year | 2018 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Environmental Engineering (EV) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shipin, Oleg V.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Vilas Nitivattananon;Ekbordin Winijkul;Sarawut Ninsawat; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2018 |