Griffith University supports the Sustainable Development Goals

Australia-Mekong Water Facility – Technical support to improve reservoir water quality management in Thailand

Assoc. Professor Kelvin O'Halloran

Please note that this is an on-going project.

Project Description

Thailand faces challenges with managing water quality in many of its reservoirs due to pressure from agricultural, domestic, and industrial pollution coupled with urbanization, increasing demand and climate change. The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) joined Australian experts to gain knowledge and strategies to monitor, prevent and decrease water quality impacts.

Through the program knowledge was exchanged on the experiences and standard methodologies of reservoir water quality management between Australian partners and the RID Water Quality team. A manual for implementation strategies and guidelines on reservoir water quality monitoring, and eutrophication prevention and mitigation in Thailand was delivered at the conclusion of phase 1.

Project Personnel and Beneficiaries

Academics and industry partners shared with the The Royal Irrigation Department of Thailand (RID) experience and knowledge on Reservoir Water Quality Management. As a result RID has used this information to gain knowledge and strategies to monitor, prevent and assess water quality impacts in the multi-purpose reservoirs under RID responsibility in Thailand.

Outcomes to Date

To date the projects has strengthened the capacity and resilience of RID to holistically manage water and respond to challenges posed by climate change while promoting higher standard for water infrastructure and water governance in the Thailand in support of greater water, food and energy security.

The first phase of the project produced a manual for implementation strategies and guidelines on reservoir water quality monitoring, and eutrophication prevention and mitigation in Thailand which is currently being implemented.

Project Significance

The program aligns with SDG goal 6, “Clean water and sanitation” and goal 12 “Responsible consumption and production”, by focusing on improving water quality in the agricultural sector.

The program also had a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) component, contributing to SDG goal 5 “Gender Equality”. Throughout the project context analysis was undertaken, ensuring GEDSI concepts were implemented throughout the project methodology including, training, case studies and the exchange visit.

Co-authors
Dr Edoardo Bertone, Matt Purcell, International Development Unit, Griffith International
Project start
2022
Academic area
School of Engineering and Built Environment
Project location
  • Nathan
Project geographical impact
  • International
Publication date
April 4, 2024
Last updated
2:04 pm, April 4, 2024