The Strategy for the Network Development of Buddhist Community Environmental Management

Abstract

The objectives of this paper are as follows: (1) to study ecological problems and the networks of environmental management within Buddhist communities; (2) to develop waste management systems that are efficient and cost-effective for Buddhist communities; (3) to create additional value through waste sorting and sustainable environmental management models; and (4) to develop strategies and networks for environmental management within Buddhist communities. Field action research facilitates participation in problem-solving through workshops. Participatory observation with a particular emphasis on groups This research is divided into two regions: the northern region, which consists of four communities in Tha Kwang Subdistrict, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai Province; and the central region, which comprises four communities in Nong Klub Subdistrict, Nong Bua District, Nakhon Sawan Province. Key informants consist of government agency representatives. There were six representatives from religious organizations and community leaders, six representatives from the general public, and 18 representatives from the general public. The problem of garbage accumulation in the community causes ecological consequences and poses threats to public health. It arises from a lack of responsibility, lack of knowledge, and lack of participation in the disposal of source waste. The proposed solution entails addressing the problem through the establishment of volunteer leaders and the implementation of a waste management system at the household level. This may be achieved by following a five-step process: sorting waste, donating waste to charitable causes, selling recyclable materials to generate funds for public welfare, and teaching the community to foster a clean and habitable environment. There are two sorts of sortable waste: (1) Chemical refuse generates value addition through the allocation of funds towards community-oriented initiatives, such as equipment purchases or temple renovations, as determined by the members. (2) Organic waste will be incinerated to produce charcoal, wood vinegar, and compost, thereby decreasing waste volume and alleviating the government's workload. The knowledge that resulted in the creation of four prototype systems for waste and sewage-source disposal, as well as knowledge-promotion systems for the community, is a strategy for developing a network of environmental management in the Buddhist way of life, an effective problem-solving system and a sustainable waste and sewage disposal system.