Sustainable Development and the Sufficiency Economy: Role of Science and Technology

Dr. Monthip Sriratana Tabucanon Director General Pollution Control Department Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand

Sustainable Development Sufficiency Economy Science and Technology SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

Sustainable Development (SD)

“ Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs .” World Commission on Environment and Development Report, 1987 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

SD as an Approach

SD is an approach – it is not a discipline. Indeed, SD covers multiplicity of disciplines.

SD is not one sector – it cuts across sectors, namely Economic, Environmental and Social/Cultural SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

SD in a Holistic View

SD views development in a holistic perspective integrating natural and social sciences, technology, planning, management and allied fields Hence, the role of Science and Technology (S&T) is essential in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

S&T in Formal Education

• S&T subjects should use examples and demonstrations using SD to illustrate theories. This applies to all levels of the formal education sector – primary, secondary and tertiary SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

S&T in Non - Formal Education

• The Non-formal Education institutions should rely on S&T to impress upon society the importance of SD. Impartation of SD issues can be more convincing if the language of science and the mechanics of technology are used.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

Research in S&T

• Traditional knowledge is insufficient to advance the SD concept. Institutions of higher education, as well as dedicated research institutions, must invest in new research which put SD as the core paradigm. This applies to all disciplines of science, engineering and allied fields (planning and management) SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP)

• His Majesty, the King of Thailand developed and introduced SEP in all Royal Projects in Thailand (Since 1974) • SEP is a tool for achieving SD, especially in poor rural areas.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

New Theory and the SEP

• SEP approaches SD utilizing systems approach, scientific thinking and appropriate technology • Applies the concept of “Living in balance with nature” SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

Sufficiency Economy Philosophy

Middle Path

Moderation Reasonable ness Resiliency

Knowledge Morality Balance Security Sustainability SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

Procedure of the New Theory

1 st phase: Implementation / Production

Advising/ Experimenting Implementing Getting results

2 nd phase: Expansion / Marketing

Support from outside Better living conditions Production / Marketing Joining forces

3 rd phase: Advancement / Processing / Adding Value

Cooperation/ Capital Support from outside Quality of life Sustainable development Support from outside

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

Benefits of the New Theory Steady and higher income Agriculture in accordance with the New Theory Advice, consultations: Farmer-farmer Offical- farmer Farmers and their children have better education opportunities Knowledge and learning on the job Better education Monitoring of news and information on farming practices

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

Farm Families and Communities Kept Intact and Content

Job available the whole year round Work in the locality Diverse activities, perennial trees, fruit, vegetables, livestock Family members joining activities, spending more time together, taking good care of children and the elderly More frequent harvests Steady and higher income SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

Diverse activities, perennial trees, fruit trees, vegetables, livestock

Strengthened Community

Members of working age are kept in the locality Working force is available for community work and other communal work in the rice fields and plantations Different harvest times Steady incomes Higher incomes Equitable distribution of income Strengthened community Increased and diverse production Sufficient food Organizing as groups Or cooperatives for production, marketing, welfare Resources in the rice fields are better Dependence on outside sources is reduced

Sustainable Development and Environment The economy is improved, with self-sufficiency and effective use of resources Agriculture in accordance with the New Theory Sustainable development Strengthened society Good participation unity The environment

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

Learn Wisely Strategies 3.Using Knowledge Wisely

-Selecting, adapting, and integrating the knowledge in line with problems and needs based on benefits to the discipline, society, and environment -

2.Seeking Knowledge with Morality

Learning from others ideas - Learning through contemplation - Learning through practices, with responsibility towards lives, society, and the environment Learner

4.Keeping Abreast of Changes

-Reviewing the available information Inspecting one’s knowledge by oneself and by outside review -Improving and developing constantly

1.Determination with Faith

- Interest, awareness, appreciation - Setting the goal of learning SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY

People face problems Analysis of the Process of the Education Philosophy of His Majesty the King Rama IX His Majesty the King systematically collects information His Majesty plans for the solving of problems If Problems occur H.M. decides on the experiments for the plans H.M.

investigates H.M.

Achieves the solving of people’s problem No more problems H.M. follows up Closely and -H.M. advises on the pilot project -H.M. informs supervising agencies H.M. disseminates results of experiments to related agencies The project is

Thank you

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY