On 28 April 2025, Mae Fah Luang University, led by the School of Management, held the “Climate Resilience Policy Dialogue of Ing River Basin" and hosted an academic seminar on the topic "Collaborate, Be Aware, Adapt: Facing Disasters in the Ing River Basin" at Pradu Daeng 1 Room, General Sampao Choosri Building (E4), Mae Fah Luang University.
Prof. Dr. Sujitra Wongkasemjit, Vice President of Mae Fah Luang University, presided over the opening ceremony and emphasised the significance of the Ing River as a lifeline of Lanna civilization, now facing serious challenges from climate change, highlighted by the devastating flood of 2024, during which over 500 mm of rainfall was recorded in just one week. Also, Dr. Rutmanee Ongsakul from the Australian Embassy in Thailand reported on the background and importance of the project.
The policy dialogue, funded by OXFAM and the Australian Government, was supported by a wide range of sectors, including the People's Council of Ing River Basin, government agencies, and university networks such as Kasetsart University, Ubon Ratchathani University, Mahasarakham University, the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Urban Design and Development Center of Chulalongkorn University.
The academic seminar “Collaborate, Be Aware, Adapt: Facing Disasters in the Ing River Basin” brought together representatives and expert speakers from various organisations, including the Department of Climate Change and Environment of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Thailand, the Thai National Mekong Committee, the Thailand Environment Institute, the Living River Siam Association, Chiang Rai and Phayao provinces, local administrative organisations, the People's Council of Ing River Basin, and the Rak Chiang Khong Conservation Group, to share local perspectives and discuss challenges and opportunities, as well as public participation in enhancing effective and sustainable management in the Ing River Basin.
The meeting aimed to develop community-based policy recommendations addressing disaster management, watershed management, sustainable agriculture, and comprehensive climate adaptation. It also aimed to promote collaboration among communities, vulnerable groups, government agencies, and relevant organizations, and to push forward a joint action plan that transforms community proposals into practical implementation.
The final part of the dialogue involved the presentation and submission of policy recommendations from Ing River Basin communities to relevant government agencies, marking a significant step toward empowering local communities to cope with climate change and toward developing effective, sustainable, and equitable water resource and disaster management strategies.
