System and Mechanism Development of Local Administrative Organizations to Drive the Buddhist Community Waste Management Center Ko Kha Municipality, Ko Kha District, Lampang Province

Abstract

This research has three main objectives: 1) to study the situation, problems, and waste management of Ko Kha Subdistrict Municipality, Lampang Province; 2) to develop a system and mechanism for driving a comprehensive community waste management center; and 3) to propose guidelines for enhancing community participation in driving a comprehensive Buddhist waste management center. This research was qualitative, using in-depth interviews with 30 informants.

The findings revealed that:

1. Ko Kha Subdistrict Municipality is experiencing physical and management problems. The volume of waste is increasing, particularly non-biodegradable waste such as plastic and construction waste, impacting the environment and community health. The problem lies in the lack of clear guidelines for waste reduction at the source, and the lack of systematic and collaborative management.
2. Developing a system and mechanism for implementing a comprehensive community waste management center: 1) promoting household waste separation according to the 5Rs principle (Refuse/Reduce/Reuse/Recycle/Repair) to reduce waste at home; 2) establishing a waste bank/Homboon waste and a waste-free community learning center. To instill positive behaviors, and 3) foster collaboration between the public, private, educational, and religious sectors, using the "Borworn" (Home-Temple-School) concept as a foundation for implementation.
3. Approaches to strengthen community participation in driving integrated Buddhist waste management centers include integrating Buddhist principles, the factors of right view, information receptiveness (Paratoghosa), systematic analytical thinking (yoniso manasikāra), and the Four Bases of Power. Developing driving power through satisfaction, diligence, determination, reflection, right effort, reducing evil (not creating waste) and striving to create good (managing existing waste). Encouraging participation, such as community waste volunteers, using technology as a tool, developing a digital database for knowledge dissemination and monitoring, which facilitates public access and participation. Organizational preparedness development, support systems, and ongoing cooperation mechanisms with various sectors are also being developed.