Low Carboon Municipality in Thailand

It's believed that "city" is major source of Green House Effect which cause climate change and higher temperature.  To help this earth is reducing the GHG (Green House Gas) both at global and local level.

The Municipality League of Thailand cooperated with several experts from Thai academic institutes and funded by European Union has recently launched the project named  "Low Carbon Municipality" aiming to gathering outstanding local resource persons to be trained on the GHG issues and best practices of GHG emission reducing.  69 experts from several sectors such as well-known universities, NGOs, IGES, and the municipalities.

3 days meeting was held during 4-6 July 2012 at Cum Sade Resort in Kanchanaburee as the first meeting for more clarified on their roles, schedule arrangement and clearly scoping on procedure.

First day,  the group took an eco visiting on eco-management of Cum Sade Resort in late afternoon before arranging themselves on bed near the River Kaew surrounding with green trees.

Second day, Opening session by Dr. Natrika Wayuparb, the director of Strategy Office from Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation who provide a very comprehensive presentation on the overall picture of GHG and issues addressed by international concerns. That's the best part of the day ever. Next, some of best practices from Japan was presented by Miss Shom Teoh, associate researcher from the IGES ( Institute from Global Environmental Strategis).  Dr. Pantitta Srisomphong, a lecturer from Payao University, presented on "Local Carbon Tourism Management on Sufficiency Economy Concept" which is about how happiness can be achieved by managing local carbon tourism.  Last, session in the afternoon, the team was discussed on action plans, project schedule, procedural arrangement.  The discussion focused on tasks, responsibility, and concerns.  On meeting, I have found that Mr. Somchai and Mr. Vinitchay Amaralikit were both the key leaders who took great supports on the project.  I must give them the greatest gratitude regarding to their strong efforts to establish this project.

Dinner was on the raft house which dragged by a small boat along the Kaew River.  It's one of the great moment of the day.  Each team member expressed their sincere attitudes and true critiques on the project which I believe that it will be major positive factor to bring project's achievement.  Regarding to the project's goals, I should make some recommendation as follow:
1. The project should included more cities and towns near Bangkok.
2.  The organisation structure of the project team should horizontal than vertical line.
3.  Teams shall be respected equally without strong hierarchy.
4. The training curriculum should composed with: the GHG issue, best practices, know-how, and key to success.  This must be a package of comprehensive handbook.
5.  Networking is most importance that must be designed its communication channel which most appropriate to the group.