Podcast – How young professionals in the Mekong can be agents of change through research

In this podcast episode, we talk to a young researcher about their efforts to improve groundwater governance, particularly in urban areas in the Mekong region.

“The Mekong region is rich in water resources” is the conventional story we are all used to hearing.

But at the heart of this story about the Mekong region’s rich water resources is a troubling truth about the region's urban areas, which face water insecurity.

Economic development, industrialization, and rapid urbanization are exerting unprecedented strain on groundwater resources. The need for water for industrial and agricultural use is competing with the needs of domestic water users, particularly in places where surface water alone cannot meet growing demands.

Hope emerges through the diligent efforts of researchers committed to sustainable development. These researchers shape policies to improve the quality of groundwater governance and illuminate a path toward a water-secure future for the communities of the Mekong.

Our guest speaker for the first episode of the SUMERNET Young Professionals podcast miniseries, Dr. Preeyaporn Muenratch, a faculty member from Silpakorn University, Thailand, is at the forefront of this endeavor.

She highlighted her research work, uncovering the intricacies of groundwater dynamics and identifying opportunities and obstacles. Her findings show how her research can guide policymakers and communities toward informed decisions safeguarding this invaluable resource.

Dr. Preeyaporn Muenratch embarked on her journey into sustainable development during her doctoral studies at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). Through SUMERNET-funded projects like the Groundwater Integrated Regional Assessment Project (GIRA), she discovered alarming trends of overexploitation driven by agricultural demands and unchecked urbanization.

She shared her experience unraveling the complexities of groundwater through extensive fieldwork and collaboration with local communities. Dr. Preeyaporn examines groundwater use across diverse sectors and engages marginalized groups to ensure inclusivity in decision-making processes.

Dr. Preeyaporn identified the rising need for groundwater spurred by economic development coupled with urban growth. Despite attempts through policies like decentralization to regulate its usage and prevent unsustainable extraction practices, constraints such as local resources and capacity pose obstacles to effective management.

From research to policy action on groundwater management

Dr. Preeyaporn's research findings offer actionable strategies for promoting sustainable groundwater management. By leveraging behavioral theories like the Theory of Planned Behavior, she advocates for interventions that enhance awareness of water-saving practices and foster community-driven initiatives.

Dr. Preeyaporn emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation and stakeholder engagement in managing shared groundwater resources. She highlighted the need for more transparent policies, improved monitoring infrastructure, and the active involvement of vulnerable communities in decision-making processes.

Countries in the Mekong region still need more cooperation in managing cross-border groundwater or Transboundary Aquifer Management. This is essential for controlling the shared use of water in the same aquifer and conserving groundwater resources for sustainable use.

Call to action for young researchers.

Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Preeyaporn underscores the role of networking and collaboration in advancing sustainable development goals. Opportunities provided by organizations like SUMERNET have been instrumental in her professional growth, enabling her to participate in workshops and research programs that amplify her impact.

As a young researcher, she is stepping into the spotlight as a change agent, armed with determination and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, which serves as a source of inspiration for young researchers aspiring to make a difference.

She ended with a note of encouragement:

Young professionals should actively participate in SUMERNET activities, join programs, or apply for the research funding offered by SUMERNET to expand their knowledge and network and contribute to sustainable development in the Mekong region.

SYP podcast miniseries is part of the SUMERNET podcast series "Research 4 All".

SYP miniseries episode 1 host: Bouanong Lathouly
Sound editing: Variya Plungwatana
Series producers: Rajesh Daniel and Variya Plungwatana

Download the transcript using the link below.

Listen to this episode on available channels:

• Podbean
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts

Learn more about SUMERNET Young Professionals (SYP) here.