Chulalongkorn University’s Proactive Initiatives to Promote Water Conservation Awareness and Sustainable Use in Local Communities 2024-2025

Chulalongkorn University places great importance on the wise and sustainable management of water resources—not only within the campus but also by extending its efforts to communities across the country. Through various volunteer projects and initiatives, the university promotes water conservation, ecosystem restoration, and environmental awareness among local residents, with the ultimate goal of strengthening water security and fostering long-term community sustainability.

Examples of projects and initiatives during 2024–2025

CU x NTU Collaborate to Repair Check Dams and Promote Sustainable Community Development in Nan Province

Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, organized the CU x NTU Overseas Community Engagement Project 2024 from December 12–23, 2024, at the Center of Learning for the Region, Chulalongkorn University in Nan Province. The project aimed to repair check dams in community forest areas to restore local ecosystems and promote knowledge of highland water management among students from both universities.

Organized by the Office of Student Affairs, together with the Center of Learning for the Region and the School of Agricultural Resources, the project focused on integrating academic knowledge with real-world practice. It encouraged students to develop teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills while fostering an understanding of the importance of water and environmental conservation.

Activities included hands-on repair of check dams, workshops on local water management and agricultural issues led by experts and community leaders, and visits to local enterprises to study sustainable business models. Students then participated in a Mini Hackathon to propose innovative solutions for sustainable community development aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This project reflects Chulalongkorn University’s commitment to promoting the wise and sustainable use of water resources beyond the campus. By combining academic expertise with community engagement, the university empowers students to become “Glocal Citizens”—global-minded individuals who remain connected to and responsible for their local communities and the environment.

[ https://www.chula.ac.th/news/209442/ ]

Chula Promotes Sustainable Water Management for Local Communities in Nan Province

On March 20, 2025, the Center of Learning for the Region, Chulalongkorn University organized a workshop on “Water Quality Management for Village Water Supply Operators and Water Sampling for Laboratory Analysis” at the Chomphupuka 6 Hall, Phasing Research and Technology Transfer Station, Phasing Subdistrict, Mueang Nan District, Nan Province. The event was attended by 75 representatives from various subdistricts across Nan Province.

The program aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge, understanding, and skills in water quality management, enabling village water supply operators to apply what they learned to effectively monitor and maintain water quality in their respective communities. Participants also gained hands-on experience in proper water sampling techniques—from collection and transportation to interpreting laboratory results—ensuring greater accuracy and reliability in water quality assessments.

The workshop featured a lecture on “Policies and Directions for the Development of Village Water Supply Systems in Thailand”, along with a hands-on session demonstrating model village water systems. Participants also learned about the safe use of water treatment chemicals and water sampling techniques, guided by Mr. Nattapon Wichan, Lecturer from the Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Nan Campus.

This initiative highlights Chulalongkorn University’s ongoing commitment to extending its knowledge and expertise in water management beyond campus boundaries—promoting the sustainable and responsible use of water resources, and empowering local communities to manage their own water systems effectively for long-term sustainability.

[ https://clnr.chula.ac.th/2025/03/21/68087/ ]

Chula Promotes Wise Water Use through Check Dam Construction with Local Communities in Nan Province

On May 29, 2025, the Center of Learning for the Region, Chulalongkorn University, participated in the volunteer activity “The Area of Life,” organized by the Friends in Need (of “PA”) Volunteers Foundation, Thai Red Cross Society, at Huai Pong Noi, Ban Huai Luang, Pa Kha Subdistrict, Thawangpha District, Nan Province. The main objective of the event was to construct 15 check dams to restore upstream ecosystems and strengthen water security for local communities.

The activity brought together more than 100 participants, including local residents, community organizations, volunteers, and academic representatives. Chulalongkorn University staff worked hand-in-hand with the community to build the check dams while sharing knowledge on natural resource management and land restoration, empowering communities to use and manage water resources wisely and sustainably.

The newly constructed check dams help slow down water flow, reduce soil erosion, increase soil moisture, replenish groundwater, and create small water sources for wildlife and community agriculture. They also enhance biodiversity and serve as learning sites for local youth and residents to understand the importance of forest and watershed conservation.

This initiative highlights Chulalongkorn University’s ongoing commitment to extending its academic knowledge beyond the campus by promoting the wise use of water resources and environmental stewardship in collaboration with various sectors—working together to build long-term water and environmental sustainability.

[ https://clnr.chula.ac.th/2025/05/30/68116/ ]

Vidvapath Camp: Community Development through Engineering and Sustainable Water Management

Vidvapath Camp is an engineering volunteer project for rural development organized by the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, under the supervision of expert faculty members. The camp aims to enhance students’ practical skills while addressing real community challenges through the application of engineering knowledge inspired by King Rama IX’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.

The project began in 2016, in collaboration with the Rakkaew Foundation, with an initial focus on Ban Chetawan Community, Santha Subdistrict, Nan Noi District, Nan Province — an area facing water shortages for agriculture and daily use. The faculty team and students worked with villagers through participatory planning to identify and tackle the community’s most critical issue: the construction of a large reservoir weir to ensure a reliable water supply.

• 2018–2019: The team built the first major weir and later expanded it, enabling the community to have a year-round water supply and support agriculture on about 200 rai of land. Villagers were also encouraged to plant 10% of their land area with perennial trees to mitigate environmental impacts.
• 2020–2021: The project constructed an additional weir and extended a water pipeline to irrigate another 200 rai of upland areas. Small check dams were also installed to distribute water evenly throughout the community.
• 2023: The camp built an eco-friendly earthen house equipped with a solar power system and developed a new weir using solar-powered water pumping technology to transport water uphill.
• 2024: The team installed two solar-powered water pumps and a mountain-top water storage system to strengthen the community’s water sustainability.
• Early 2025: The project completed a solar-powered water supply system with metered connections, ensuring clean water for household use that meets safety standards. The initiative also supported villagers in building new homes and installing solar power systems for energy self-reliance.

Throughout its implementation, Vidvapath Camp has not only created sustainable water sources but also fostered essential skills among students—engineering expertise, teamwork, problem-solving, and a volunteer spirit. The camp has become a living classroom, transferring knowledge to local communities and other development groups, demonstrating the university’s commitment to sustainable water use and community empowerment in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In 2023, the project won the First Prize from the Rakkaew Foundation, along with funding support to expand its impact. Today, Vidvapath Camp stands as a model for how engineering knowledge can drive sustainable rural development through collaboration between academia and nonprofit organizations.

[ https://www.intaniamagazine.com/vidvapath-camp/ ]