The local community has experienced diminishing fish stocks, reduced income, and deteriorating natural resources. These challenges, coupled with the pressing issue of climate change, have exacerbated the community鈥檚 vulnerability. It is crucial to recognize the need for enhanced environmental awareness and effective sustainable resource management. As community members fight to adapt to these hardships, they must also find ways to preserve their environment, which is essential for their livelihoods and future well-being.

The opportunity arose with the partnership between the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) and the local government of Dumangas. Recognizing that raising awareness and equipping the community with knowledge about climate change and biodiversity conservation could turn the tide, the project sought to empower local stakeholders. By implementing an Environmental Awareness Program, the project aimed to educate residents on sustainable practices that protect biodiversity and improve their livelihoods.

This initiative was also aligned with broader goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 on climate action, SDG 14 on marine conservation, and SDG 15 on biodiversity conservation. By addressing the root of environmental degradation through education and community involvement, the project saw the potential for long-term sustainability and greater protection of marine resources.

The partnership between ISAT U and the Municipality of Dumangas was central to this initiative. Ms. Flosel P. Almirante, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, led the project in Dumangas, working closely with Mr. Eric D. De la Vega, the academic liaison from ISAT U. Together, they integrated practical environmental challenges into the university’s curriculum, engaging students across various disciplines such as Environmental Science, Research, IT/Multimedia Systems, and Architectural Drafting.

Collaboration extended beyond the university and local government to include national and international organizations like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Philippines, and Deutsche Gesellschaft f眉r Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). These partners provided technical expertise, funding, and resources, creating a robust framework for the project鈥檚 success.

“The partnership between ISAT U and our community has been transformative,” said Ms. Almirante. “The knowledge and resources provided by the university and our international partners have not only raised awareness but also empowered the people to take ownership of their environment.”

The collaboration has led to notable successes. Through a series of community workshops, social marketing efforts, and awareness campaigns, residents became more informed about climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable fishing practices. Students played a crucial role in designing digital platforms, creating communication materials, and participating in community awareness drives. This hands-on involvement enriched both the students’ education and the program’s effectiveness.

As a result, LLIMPA has seen increased community engagement, with residents becoming more involved in conservation efforts. Illegal fishing activities have decreased, and there is growing support for the rehabilitation of mangrove forests and the enforcement of sustainable practices. “This project has not only brought knowledge to our people but has fostered a sense of responsibility and pride in protecting our marine resources,” noted Mr. De la Vega.
Looking forward, the partnership between ISAT U and Dumangas will continue to evolve. Plans are in place to expand the 麻豆视频 model to other barangays and to further integrate sustainability into the university鈥檚 academic programs. The municipality also intends to seek additional funding to maintain the momentum of the program and explore ways to scale it for neighboring communities. This collaboration is just the beginning of a larger movement toward environmental stewardship and climate resilience in the region.

Partnership Contact Information

Eric D. De la Vega
Iloilo Science and Technology University
edumilevega1970@gmail.com

Flosel P. Almirante
Municipality of Dumangas
flosel.almirante@gmail.com

Written by: Alice Murphy
Edited by: Kay Phanthuwongpakdee

Despite its iconic status, Chiang Mai鈥檚 moat faces ongoing challenges from water pollution. Wastewater from buildings flows directly into the canals feeding the moat, leading to high levels of algae and contamination. While periodic water releases from the local irrigation system provide temporary relief, the water quality frequently falls to unsafe levels, threatening public health and diminishing the city鈥檚 image as a cultural and historical centre. The unchecked pollution not only harms the environment but also impacts the local economy, heavily reliant on tourism, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable management to safeguard the city鈥檚 heritage and future.

The water in Chiang Mai鈥檚 moat is refreshed periodically through releases from the Chiang Mai Irrigation Department. While the timing and amount of water released are carefully managed, the water quality itself is not closely monitored. As a result, the water quality in the moat is often rated as moderate to polluted (categories 3 to 4), making it unsafe for human use. This contamination not only harms the city鈥檚 image but also poses risks to public health by increasing the likelihood of waterborne diseases.

Recognizing the need for a sustainable solution, Chiang Mai Municipality partnered with Chiang Mai Rajabhat University (CMRU) to address the pollution issue. The university provided the scientific expertise and resources necessary to monitor and improve water quality in the moat. This partnership aimed to harness the academic knowledge of environmental scientists and students, while the municipality provided support in logistics, facilities, and local insights. Together, they saw an opportunity to not only monitor pollution levels but also engage students in hands-on learning, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as clean water (SDG 6), good health and well-being (SDG 3), and sustainable cities (SDG 11).

Collaboration with Chiang Mai Rajabhat University (CMRU)

The collaboration between Chiang Mai Rajabhat University and Chiang Mai Municipality, supported by START International, Inc. under the 麻豆视频 Asia seed grants program, began in September 2021. The project focused on monitoring key water quality indicators such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) across four strategic points in the moat. CMRU involved students from three relevant courses鈥擡nvironmental Quality Monitoring, Water Quality Analysis, and Health Behavior and Safety鈥攖o lead data collection and analysis efforts.

Chiang Mai Municipality鈥檚 Public Work Bureau facilitated the project by providing logistical support, lab access, and equipment. As part of the collaboration, students collected water samples monthly and assessed behavioral safety around the moat, gaining practical experience while helping the city solve its pressing environmental challenges. A professor from CMRU remarked, 鈥淭his project allowed our students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, while also benefiting the local community.鈥� A representative from the municipality also emphasized, 鈥淭he expertise provided by the university was crucial in understanding the scope of the pollution and in developing sustainable solutions.鈥�

The collaboration led to several actionable insights. The water quality indicators revealed high levels of contamination, particularly in total nitrogen, contributing to algae blooms and eutrophication. As a result of these findings, the municipality plans to improve its wastewater management systems, ensuring that households and businesses along the waterway treat their wastewater before discharging it. This project not only identified the main pollutants but also allowed the municipality to implement immediate measures, such as increasing the frequency of water dilutions from the irrigation system to alleviate pollution.

Moreover, the project empowered students to apply scientific methods in practical settings, strengthening the ties between academia and local governance. One student says, 鈥淏eing part of a project that impacts the community directly was an invaluable experience.鈥�

Chiang Mai Municipality and CMRU plan to continue their collaboration in monitoring water quality in the moat. Future projects may involve enhancing community engagement to prevent further pollution and implementing new technologies for water treatment. The city hopes to expand the scope of the partnership to tackle other sustainability challenges in line with the SDGs, ensuring that Chiang Mai remains a safe and attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.

Partnership Contact Information

City of Chiang Mai Contact
Mr. Trinnawat Suwanprik
Sanitary Researcher
Chiang Mai Municipality
cmsutp@gmail.com

Dr. Pimpawat Teeratitayangkul
Department of Environmental Science
Chiang Mai Rajabhat University
pimpawatt@gmail.com

Written by: Alice Murphy
Edited by: Kay Phanthuwongpakdee