On Friday, February 16, 2567, at the Muthalai Cha-Am Hotel in Phetchaburi Province, the Project Management Office of the Royal Irrigation Department organized a press conference and announced the success of the “Youth Water Conservation Project, Year 4.”
The event was chaired by Mr. Geuksak Tatong, an expert in civil engineering (planning), alongside Mr. Mechai Patiyut, the Project Director for water delivery and maintenance of the Khlong Krachan Reservoir, and Ms. Phornsiri Kanayai, the Head of Environmental Impact Analysis Unit 1, who represented the presentation of awards to the youth participants from 10 schools.
Mr. Geuksak Tatong stated that in its fourth year, the “Youth Water Conservation Project” aimed to promote environmental understanding among youth in irrigation projects, emphasizing the importance of water resource development, environmental impact mitigation measures, and monitoring from the project’s development standpoint. The project also aimed to involve teachers and youth in conserving and managing natural resources and the environment around reservoirs for sustainability, utilizing environmental education processes.
The Youth Water Conservation Project for the year 2566 recruited high school-level youth groups, each comprising three students and one advisor, from areas surrounding the Khlong Krachan Reservoir in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces. Forty youth from 10 schools were selected to participate in the fourth cycle. They received knowledge enhancement and skill development, such as teamwork and environmentalism, through training camps, fostering understanding and enhancing environmental work potential.
Subsequently, each youth group applied the knowledge gained from the camps to carry out various activities, such as local natural resource and environmental restoration, waste management, wastewater treatment, and community engagement and networking, under the guidance of their group advisors. The Youth Water Conservation Project Committee provided on-site guidance, advised youth groups at the local level, and evaluated actual project implementation results. The top three winners were determined based on their participation scores during the training camps, on-site project evaluation scores, and scores from the group’s project summary reports.
The first prize went to Benjamarat Uthit School in Phetchaburi Province for their efficient implementation of a microplastic filtration system using sugarcane fiber. The first runner-up was Hua Hin School in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province for their successful waste reduction initiative.
The second runner-up was Chulabhorn Royal Academy of Science, Phetchaburi Province, for their vigorous efforts in combating water pollution.
The Youth Water Conservation Project is a significant initiative by the Royal Irrigation Department to engage and develop youth, supporting a learning process that fosters responsible citizenship and environmental awareness. It aims to equip youth with knowledge and understanding derived from learning and practical experiences, enabling them to play a role in environmental preservation, restoration, and sustainable resource utilization. The project has been ongoing since 2563 and has successfully nurtured “Green Citizens” in key irrigation development areas, with enthusiastic responses from school administrators nationwide, sending over 40 school groups and over 160 youth and teachers to participate in the project.
