The Department of Water Resources (DWR) will broaden the results of the feasibility study on the use of oxbow lakes for EbA solutions to adopt EbA in Phrae province. The study was conducted by the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) in partnership with GIZ under the Thai – German Climate Programme – Water project (TGCP-Water) during 2018-2022.

During the Phrae Provincial Water Resources Subcommittee meeting No. 3/2023 held on 7 December 2023, ONWR presented the findings of a study the sub-committee and other relevant agencies in the area, enabling them to apply the findings appropriately. The DWR provides updates to the committee regarding the ongoing initiative to conserve and rehabilitate the oxbow lakes (Yom Long) in the Yom River. This endeavour is based on the findings of a feasibility study conducted in Huai Mai Subdistrict, Ban Nun Subdistrict, Ban Klang Subdistrict, Song District, in Phrae Province.

Phrae Province is currently experiencing dual challenges of flooding and drought. The development of oxbow lakes is considered a strategy that mitigates the impact of floods and droughts. All relevant organisations are thus keen to collaborate on the joint efforts. The ONWR-GIZ study report provided technical guidance with the objective of determining and accessing the most suitable techniques to include oxbow lakes as EbA options for climate-sensitive river basin management. Up to 22 oxbow lakes in the Yom River basin located in Phrae province were assessed; in the first step, site selection criteria were developed and existing datasets collected. Thereafter, the criteria were applied in a desk study to identify the most promising sites. Subsequent stakeholder interviews informed the development of a technical solution for oxbow lake restoration. Lastly, its economic feasibility was tested, and the results were summarised.

The DWR has taken the results of the feasibility report into consideration in order to improve streams and oxbow lakes to alleviate the impacts of floods and droughts by using existing ecosystem services in the area. In this regard, the opinions of the people in the area were taken into account. On 19 December 2023, DWR organised the consultation meeting with relevant stakeholders in the project area to listen and get the feedback and opinions. The result will be used for the site survey and for the design of oxbow lakes in order to meet the objectives and achieve the goals of the project.