COMMUNITY-BASED RENEWABLE ENERGY MANAGEMENT WITH NATURAL RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH BUDDHIST APPROACH

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) examine the community context and potential for renewable energy management, 2) raise awareness of renewable energy management for the sustainability of natural resources through a Buddhist-oriented approach, and 3) develop a community-based renewable energy management model for sustainability. The research employed Participatory Action Research (PAR), conducted in three cycles following the research spiral: planning, action, observation, and reflection. The key informants consisted of 30 participants purposively selected, including experts, community leaders, local residents, temples, schools, government agencies, and private sector representatives in Rai Khing Municipality, Nakhon Pathom Province. The findings revealed that 1) Rai Khing community has favorable contexts and potential for renewable energy management due to its diverse natural resources and grassroots economy, such as utilizing agricultural residues for biomass production, managing food waste for biogas generation, and applying solar energy in households, temples, and schools. The community also has a strong social structure under the Baworn (Home-Temple-School) collaboration model. 2) The participatory research process fostered shared learning and enhanced community awareness in the mindful use of energy, integrating Buddhist principles such as Sangahavatthu IV to encourage balanced and sustainable energy use. and 3) The study proposed a “Buddhist-oriented Renewable Energy Management Model for Sustainability,” consisting of four components: community participation, integration of Buddhist principles, renewable energy resource management, and supportive mechanisms from various sectors. This model can serve as a guideline for other communities to address energy demands, mitigate environmental impacts, and enhance quality of life in line with sustainable development.