The integration of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) measures into water management plans has already been introduced and has served to strengthen the knowledge of experts in water management organisations in Thailand. ECOSWat organised the training on EbA in the context of climate change with a focus on water resource management as well as on economic evaluation several times during the year 2016.

The training aimed at providing (1) conceptual clarity on EbA and climate change adaptation, and how to apply EbA to water management plans, and (2) a better understanding of ecosystem services, their value and how to evaluate them. The participants included approximately 200 experts from related water management organisations including two key water management agencies, namely the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) who are responsible for decision making within the water sector in Thailand at both the national and regional levels.

Mr. Nitas Prompan, an engineer with DWR and his team are already designing their first EbA measure for a sedimentation pool to be implemented at Huai Sai Bart sub-river basin in Khon Kaen. The measure will reduce the sediments flowing to Nong Yai Reservoir.  Aquatic plants will be grown in order to reduce the sediments and create a better ecosystem for the water.  Fish and vegetation will increase as a result, and could prove beneficial to the locals.

Previously, ecosystem was not a main focus in the planning of engineering design but the training has marked a significant increase in integration. He has further suggested that specialised training on EbA measure design and criteria for consideration and monitoring of impacts of interventions could also be another area for enhancing the understanding of engineers. Moreover, awareness and understanding of the EbA concept should be raised in local communities, leading to the acceptance of EbA and facilitating its implementation in their river basin.

 “The training environment was helpful to learning…It was very interactive and allowed participants to raise points of clarification, which encouraged new learning.  I liked that very much and I also enjoyed the group work. It directed participants to a new direction of thinking about the water management process. I am glad that I learnt so much about EbA” 
– Mr Nitas Prompan, Engineer, the Bureau of Water Resources Conservation and Rehabilitation, DWR

I think this training was very useful. We could easily understand the EbA concept properly from this training. It helped us to find the economic value of ecosystem services. This training should be held continuously and several related agencies should join this programme. 
– Ms. Wantanee Sakulsak, Environmental Officer (Practitioner level), The Office of Project Management, RID

Integrating of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) measures into water management plans cannot be successful without the participation of relevant stakeholders. Economic evaluation of ecosystem services helps decision makers get a clearer understanding of their benefits.