Applying Geographic Information Systems and Community Participation for Water Management in the Mae Tien Watershed, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Abstract

Background: The Mae Tien watershed, located in Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai Province, is a highland area that relies primarily on water from the Mae Tien stream and rainfall. The region faces multiple challenges: (1) variability in rainfall volume and distribution, where mid-season dry spells damage crops at early growth stages while intense storms often cause flash floods; (2) recurrent drought cycles, occurring approximately every three years, resulting in severe shortages of water for domestic consumption and agricultural production; (3) widespread cultivation on steep slopes (approximately 16–35%), leading to soil erosion and placing additional pressure on fragile headwater ecosystems; and (4) fragmented water management structures, which tend to focus on short-term, ad hoc solutions without evidence-based databases or long-term integrative mechanisms. In recent years, communities and local governments have implemented small-scale interventions such as repairing and constructing check dams, establishing community reservoirs, and reforesting degraded lands. However, these measures remain insufficient in relation to the growing water demand and the increasing risks posed by climate variability and change.

Objectives and Methodology: This study aimed to (1) examine the water situation and develop community water maps in the Mae Tien watershed, Chiang Mai Province, (2) analyze community participation processes in water management, and (3) propose integrated water management approaches that are appropriate for highland contexts.

The study employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework as the principal mechanism for driving change in the Mae Tien watershed. PAR was deemed appropriate as it emphasizes collaborative learning and knowledge co-creation between researchers and communities, which is particularly relevant in complex highland contexts that require acceptance from multiple stakeholders. Within this framework, the community was placed at the center of decision-making and water management, while farmers, community leaders, local government officials, and Royal Project staff actively engaged throughout the process. The methodological design can be summarized in five components:

1) Approach – Implementation of a PAR framework integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to combine scientific analysis with participatory engagement.

2) Participants – Involvement of approximately 100–135 stakeholders, including community leaders, farmers (men, women, and youth), and representatives of local administrative organizations.

3) Data Collection – Use of multiple methods such as field surveys, community mapping, and in-depth interviews, with all information consolidated into a GIS-based database for evidence-based planning.

4) Analysis and Validation – Joint analysis of rainfall, water balance, and land-use patterns, followed by validation through community workshops to enhance accuracy, transparency, and shared understanding.

5) Action and Institutionalization – Development of watershed action plans and establishment of local management networks to institutionalize collaborative governance and ensure long-term sustainability.

Key Findings and Outcomes:

1) Water Situation and Balance: The Mae Tien watershed faces dry-season water shortages and difficulties in managing excess water during the rainy season, particularly in upland and downstream areas. Water balance analysis revealed that rainy-season supply exceeded demand by fourfold, yet streamflow dropped to 0.89 million m³ against a demand of 1.41 million m³ in February–April. Limited storage capacity due to shallow tributaries, steep gradients, and unused seepage sources further constrained water availability.

2) Process Outcomes and Community Institutions: Communities established collective water-use agreements to ease upstream–downstream conflicts and formed watershed committees with clear roles in resource maintenance. The creation of GIS-based maps and databases provided both communities and local authorities with practical tools for evidence-based planning.

3) Spatial Measures and Natural Resource Management: These institutional gains were reinforced through targeted conservation measures, including check dams, reforestation, buffer zones, and conservation agriculture on slopes. Such interventions reduced soil erosion and improved water retention, enhancing ecological resilience.

4) Socio-Economic and Service Improvements: Improved water security enabled farmers to align cropping with available water, lowering risks and stabilizing incomes. Pilot projects also strengthened local services through integrated water supply systems, solar-powered pumps, communal tanks, and household metering.

5) Policy Recommendations and Planning Integration: The study emphasized integrating community water maps and GIS databases into local and provincial development plans. Linking agencies across water, forestry, agriculture, and land management ensures coordinated investments and long-term sustainability, consolidating outcomes at multiple levels.

Discussion and Implications: The study provides important insights into how participatory and evidence-based approaches can address water management challenges in highland contexts. By integrating Participatory Action Research (PAR) with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the research not only generated technical solutions but also strengthened community institutions and created pathways for sustainable policy integration. The key implications are as follows:

1) Integration of PAR and GIS – Combining scientific data with local knowledge enhanced transparency, community ownership, and evidence-based planning, in line with IWRM principles.

2) Institutional Strengthening – Establishment of water-use agreements and watershed committees reduced upstream–downstream conflicts.

3) Environmental Sustainability – Targeted conservation measures (check dams, reforestation, buffer zones, conservation agriculture) improved water retention and reduced soil erosion.

4) Socio-Economic Benefits – Improved water security enabled adaptive cropping, stabilized household incomes, and enhanced services through solar-powered pumps and communal water systems.

5) Policy Integration – Embedding community water maps and GIS databases into local and provincial development plans ensures coordinated investment and scalability to other highland watersheds.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that integrating PAR with GIS provides an effective framework for addressing complex water management challenges in highland communities. By combining scientific evidence with local knowledge, the research produced practical tools such as community water maps and GIS databases, while also strengthening community institutions through collective water-use agreements and watershed committees. These efforts were reinforced by targeted conservation measures that improved ecological resilience and enhanced water security. At the same time, socio-economic outcomes were evident in the stabilization of household incomes and improved community services. Importantly, embedding community-based knowledge into local and provincial planning processes ensures that both structural and non-structural investments are coordinated for long-term sustainability. Overall, the Mae Tien watershed case offers a transferable model for other highland regions facing similar socio-ecological challenges.