Ecosystem-based adaptation in Lower Northern Thailand: Water policy initiatives from and for small urban communities

The unique challenges of small and mixed-use communities, such as revealing major gaps in the existing literature on ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA). Those studies mainly fail to address specific measures and socioeconomic conditions of small towns. This research explores local conditions and designs bottom-up EbA policy initiatives using blue–green infrastructure (BGI) in Si Samrong to ensure sustainable and inclusive climate-induced water management. Under the participatory community-based EbA framework, this research applied questionnaires, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and document reviews to explore local water-related problems. Then, we organised ground surveying and local brainstorming to collectively select pilot BGI zones, and synthesised stakeholder analysis to design localised policy initiatives. Results indicated that local stakeholders are significantly involved in co-producing water policy initiatives with BGI measures for restoring water and ecological quality, enhancing year-round agricultural water security, and mitigating flood and drought impacts. In the early transformational period to EbA, local policy initiatives—aiming at balancing water demand and conservation with local participation—highlight synergies between blue–green and grey infrastructures, but rarely portray coexistence between human wellbeing and nature. Policymakers should prioritise ongoing review of research and context-based problems, connecting climate adaptation to local livelihoods, and boosting knowledge transfer to ensure policy relevance and local endorsement.