"People...Saving Water, Saving Land" Project
Port Authority of Thailand
Project Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
INTRODUCTION
Thailand has been critically facing water-related crises and natural disasters such as floods, droughts, water retention, etc. especially problems along the Chao Phraya River which affects the management of Bangkok Port. Thus, since 2016, the “People…Saving Water, Saving Land” Project appears to be the responsibility of PAT faculties and staff to voluntarily accomplish the Mission of sustaining all businesses of PAT and fulfilling its obligations to the country.PAT, with a business deeply integrated with the nations’ waters, has recognized the crucial importance of the headwaters and resources that can be found here and are determined to be responsible for people living around the headwaters. The company is determined to respond to all needs and demands of the locals and wishes for their civic engagement in all sectors for the best and sustainable benefits of all people and the country.
FRAMEWORK AND STRATEGY
The company has 3 principles for the management of this project, which are, to give what is needed, to participate when necessary, and to strive for the best sustainable results.7 strategies were used in the procedure and framework for this project. First is to gain primary information from media (e.g. newspapers, online media) and directly from the area owners facing water-related problems; work on-site and meet with the target areas, local authorities, and communities, for observation and true data investigation; thus, building mutual understanding of the related issues including management, support, patterns, strategies, etc; summarize the data/strategies for the management team and receive the meeting’s resolution for granting to each area; construct the check dams before the rainy season of each year for it to be ready for the water retention/reservation for the following year; follow up on the construction and gather all problems, obstacles, and accomplishments; hand over the check dams, and finally, evaluate each year’s project to ensure the right and substantial outcomes.
PAT realized that focusing on the business side only is not the right pave. If the company is strong, healthy, and firm, it should help others to be the same. Similarly, it must give the returns of its successes back to society. That is what PAT in a public sector division, must maintain and continue spreading its fortune to others. So, internally, PAT has raised its officials’ awareness of CSR in various aspects, such as, through courses on communication and volunteer activities. PAT has also invited its alliances to participate in its check dam construction where they have then learned and understood how admirable this project is.
ACHIEVEMENT AND IMPACT
This project has had a journey of 7 years that should be rejoiced and celebrated. PAT volunteers, alliances, and the locals have shared in the joys, laughs, and smiles that came about from this project’s activities. From 2016 until the present, PAT has granted the budgets to construct not less than 80 check dams in the areas of headwaters of the Chao Phraya River (20 districts in 9 provinces of Thailand).The project always starts at the beginning of the fiscal year, from October to September. The team in charge of this project consists of 4 roles: the head of the team, the design and construction team (civil engineering), the laws and legal team, and the secretariat to coordinate and summarize events.
FUTURE DIRECTION
Moving forward, the PAT intends to incorporate 16 goals in its projects to empower people to achieve happiness and sustainability socially. Overviewing these goals, the company plans to practice helpfulness and empathy, keep searching for innovation, overcome social issues by solving the core problem, encourage learning in the community, and be present and accessible. Some other insights into the company’s aspirations are to give back to the community by improving the local economy and ensuring local businesses thrive by promoting business owner independence.PAT believes that empowering people is the key to the sustainable development of the country. So the company will gear up with strong determination and great dedication to a future of responsible sustainability.
The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) is tasked with managing and supporting Thailand’s
port businesses. PAT not only manages all major ports pf the country but also all
maritime transport and port-related businesses. For the past 7 decades, the economic
gains of the company has been dependent on the river. Therefore, PAT is putting all its
efforts into improving the upstream area in a sustainable manner.
