BUDDHIST INNOVATION THE "SW6 MODEL" FOR A COMMUNITY WATER MANAGEMENT CHARTER INTEGRATING THE SIX PRINCIPLES OF SARANIYADHAMMA IN THE MAE KHAM RIVER BASIN, PHRAE PROVINCE

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Community-level water resource management in the Thai social context requires participatory mechanisms consistent with local social, cultural, and local wisdom, particularly the application of Buddhist principles to promote cooperation among stakeholders. This research aims to present a process for drafting a community water management charter that integrates the Six Saraniyadhamma (Principles of Harmony) in the Mae Kham River Basin, Mueang Phrae District, Phrae Province, and to propose the Buddhist innovation "SW6 Model" as a Buddhist-based community water management framework developed from the research findings.

Methodology: This research is a qualitative study conducted in four sub-districts of the Mae Kham watershed: Suan Khuean, Pa Daeng, Kanchana, and Na Chak. Sixty key informants, both monastics and laypeople, were selected through an in-depth screening method. Data were collected via in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participatory observation, and workshops. Data were analyzed using content analysis and inductive interpretation.

Main Results: The research yielded two significant findings: 1) The development of four draft community water management charters for the Mae Kham watershed, tailored to the contexts of the Suan Khuean, Pa Daeng, Kanchana, and Na Chak sub-districts, reflecting water management approaches consistent with upstream, midstream, and downstream conditions; And 2) The development of the Buddhist innovation "SW6 Model," comprising six components: compassionate physical actions and collaborative coordination, compassionate verbal communication and constructive interaction, compassionate mental actions and benevolent spirit, equitable resource allocation, equal adherence to rules and regulations, and equal understanding and shared vision for the watershed. This model is considered as a highly promising Buddhist mechanism that can scale and be applied to suitable water management in other watershed areas with similar contexts. Specially Buddhist-style communities that the religions as center in society. This model serves as a framework for promoting community participation and sustainable water resource management.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: The findings reflect the application of the Six Saraniyadhamma (Principles of Harmony) in promoting cooperation, constructive communication, adherence to community rules, fair resource sharing, and the formation of shared goals in community water resource management.

Conclusions: This research demonstrates that integrating the Six Saraniyadhamma (Principles of Harmony) into the community water management charter process can promote public participation and develop water resource management approaches appropriate to the local context. Furthermore, the SW6 Model can serve as a framework for water resource management in Buddhist communities and areas with similar contexts for sustainability.