BALANCING NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT ON THE EASTERN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR BASE

Abstract

This research aimed to study balancing natural resources and the environment on the Eastern Economic Corridor base. It employed mixed-research methods. The quantitative research data were collected from 400 residents of Chonburi Province, and the qualitative research collected data from 31 key informants. Research tools included questionnaires and interviews, and data analysis involves frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and descriptive content analysis.

Findings were as follows: 1. Local administrative organizations must have public relations to make people understand the importance of natural resources. 2. There must be cooperation between the public and private sectors to control pollution from the source by expediting the disposal of accumulated solid waste in the area to prevent and reduce the risk of chemical accidents.  3. Develop a risk insurance system for industrial plants to relieve affected people and to increase the efficiency of environmental impact assessment in the EEC area. To promote the increase of green areas in urban areas, to increase the area to absorb air pollution. 4. Support the development of smart cities in environmentally friendly ways. Regarding the details of various laws, the EEC zone had laws separate from normal laws. Specific legislation is needed to provide details and guidelines for resolving the issue and provide clarity. SWOT Analysis resulted on strengths were appropriately located. The government focused on solving environmental problems. It had a high potential to be a production base for industrial products. Availability of utilities, people pay attention to and are aware of the environment. There was a network of local communities that worked on environmental conservation. The weakness was that the local administration had not effectively managed pollution from industrial development. The database system on natural resources and environmental quality was not effective. Controlling the growth of the city was also ineffective. Opportunities: The Sustainable Development Goals are implemented. Promote and support the improvement of production processes to ensure quality agricultural products. Promote the development of transportation infrastructure. Limitations: Climate change affects natural resources and the environment.