INTEGRATION OF BUDDHA TEACHING TO ENHANCE CIVIL POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN WETLAND REGISTRATION WITH RECOGNITION OF RAMSAR SITE: A CASE STUDY OF LOWER ING WATERSHED IN CHIANGRAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) examine the process of civic political participation in the registration of wetlands; 2) investigate the model of civic political participation in wetland registration; and 3) apply the Four Principles of Saṅgahavatthu to promote civic political participation in the registration of wetlands of international importance in the Lower Ing River Basin, Chiang Rai Province. The study employed a qualitative research design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation during wetland registration activities. The key informants consisted of 25 participants. The research instruments includedinterview and focus group discussion guides. The collected data were analyzed using content analysis.
The findings revealed that:
1) The process of civic political participation in the registration of wetlands of
international importance consisted offour stages. (1) Decision-making: Community members participated in public forums to express their views on the wetland registration plan and appointed representatives to collaborate with government agencies by providing local information. (2) Implementation: Community members contributed to data collection, jointly organized conservation activities, and conducted public awareness campaigns. (3) Benefit-sharing: Community members benefited from wetland conservation through economic opportunities, ecotourism development, and recognition through national and international conservation awards. (4) Evaluation: Community members monitored the progress of the wetland registration process and proposed recommendations for wetland development.
2) The model of civic political participation in the registration of wetlands of
international importance comprisedfour dimensions. (1) Direct participation: Citizens directly influenced policy proposals, expressed opinions, engaged in conservation, monitored implementation, and advocated for policy support. (2) Indirect participation:Community resolutions were submitted to government agencies to promote wetland registration. (3) Participatory governance: Citizens exercised their rights to participate in wetland management throughout all stages of the process. (4) Consultative participation: Multiple communication channels were provided to encourage dialogue among stakeholders and build consensus.
3) The application of the Four Principles of Saṅgahavatthu to promote civic
political participation included: (1) Generosity : sharing resources and making sacrifices for the benefit of others; (2) Kind speech : communicating sincerely, politely, and constructively to foster goodwill and mutual respect; (3) Beneficial conduct : performing actions that promoted the well-being of others and the community; and (4) Impartiality : treating all individuals fairly, equally, and without discrimination.