Published by Crackers Books,

11 April 2024

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Research Paper Crunch

Addressing Water Scarcity at the Songkran Festival: Insights and Implications

• Intason, M., Coetzee, W., & Lee, C. (2021). The development, implementation and challenges to water-saving practices in a water-stressed destination: a case study of the Songkran Festival, Thailand. International Journal of Event and Festival Management, 12(3), 279-296. DOI: 10.1108/IJEFM-10-2020-0065
  

The Songkran Festival, Thailand's famed water-splashing event, celebrated annually from April 13-15, epitomizes cultural joy and communal spirit. However, this celebration occurs during Thailand's hottest month, frequently coinciding with severe drought conditions. This juxtaposition of widespread water use for festive activities against a backdrop of water scarcity forms the crux of the study detailed in "The development, implementation, and challenges to water-saving practices in a water-stressed destination: a case study of the Songkran Festival, Thailand."

Summary of the Paper

Montira Intason, along with colleagues from Naresuan University and the University of Otago, investigates sustainable water use at the Songkran Festival through extensive document analysis and participant observation. Their research identifies both opportunities and challenges in implementing water-saving initiatives during the festival, crucial for sustainable event management and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

The findings reveal three main opportunities for enhancing water sustainability:

1. Water-Saving Campaigns: Promoting moderation in water use through public education and adjusted festival activities to retain cultural significance while minimizing environmental impact.

2. Educational Initiatives: Raising awareness about the impacts of drought and the importance of water conservation among both locals and tourists.

3. Regulatory Measures: Implementing water-use restrictions, such as designated water-splashing zones and times, to control consumption without diluting the festive spirit.

Challenges include:

1. Lack of Drought Awareness: Many participants are either unaware of or indifferent to the severe water shortages, continuing to indulge in high-consumption activities.

2. Hedonistic Water-Splashing Practices: The festival's appeal often hinges on excessive water use, making it difficult to curb wastage without affecting tourist participation and satisfaction.

Analysis and Learnings

The study elegantly underscores the complex interplay between cultural traditions and environmental sustainability. It highlights the need for culturally sensitive yet environmentally responsible festival planning. Here are some critical insights and implications drawn from the paper:

- Cultural Sensitivity is Key: Effective water conservation strategies must consider cultural traditions and local sentiments to be successful. Transitioning back to more traditional, less water-intensive practices could help reduce consumption while maintaining the festival's cultural integrity.

- Government and Community Involvement: Policy interventions, combined with community engagement and education, are critical in fostering sustainable practices. Local authorities play a pivotal role in regulating activities and ensuring compliance with water-saving measures.

- Tourism vs. Sustainability: The paper raises important questions about the balance between promoting tourism and ensuring sustainability. Tourist expectations for a water-rich festival experience can pressure local resources, suggesting a need for better management of tourist activities through informed policy-making and stakeholder cooperation.

Conclusion

The Songkran Festival's case study is a vivid illustration of how deeply cultural practices are intertwined with environmental factors. The research by Intason et al. not only sheds light on the specific challenges faced by the Songkran Festival but also offers a blueprint for other festivals worldwide that face similar environmental issues. As global environmental concerns intensify, the lessons from the Songkran Festival underscore the urgent need for integrated approaches that respect both cultural heritage and the planet's ecological limits. These insights are invaluable for policymakers, event organizers, and communities striving to balance cultural celebration with environmental responsibility.

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