Community Innovation to Mitigate the Risk of Threats to Quality of Life from Natural and Human Activities, Mae Sot District, Tak Province

Abstract

This research focuses on innovative communities for reducing quality-of-life risks from natural and human-induced threats in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, addressing multi-dimensional threats in the area. The objectives are: 1) to conduct field surveys of model communities that effectively reduce quality-of-life risks from natural and human activities to develop innovative communities; 2) to develop a body of knowledge for reducing quality-of-life risks within these communities by integrating community-based and geoinformatics knowledge; 3) to cultivate innovative communities specializing in risk management using geoinformatics innovations; and 4) to transfer knowledge from these innovative communities to expand learning outcomes. The research utilized a mixed-methods approach, integrating geoinformatics tools with field surveys and collaborative knowledge management involving local stakeholders. The findings reveal that: 1) field surveys of five model communities with outstanding risk management facilitated the acquisition of new knowledge among participants, resulting in a high level of satisfaction; 2) a comprehensive body of knowledge was developed in the form of a Learning and Innovation Platform (LIP), integrating community risk management manuals with innovative hazard maps and Geographic Information System (GIS) skills training; 3) five innovative communities were established, covering the management of floods, wildfires and haze, agricultural open burning, traffic accidents, and epidemics/illegal border crossings, producing a total of 43 community innovators; and 4) the knowledge transfer successfully expanded learning among community members with high satisfaction.