Reporters:
Dr. Prasert Nonthakarn
Evidence Date: 4 July 2024
Related SDGs:
Related Indicators: 13.3.1
Details:
On July 4, 2024, at the Pak Phanang River Basin Development Coordination and Operation Center under the Royal Initiative, Mr. Korpong Joikaew, Director of Irrigation Office 15, officially received a Water Hyacinth Processing Machine designed to transform invasive aquatic plants into eco-friendly seedling pots, thereby creating economic value from local natural resources. The innovation was co-developed by Mr. Panyapong Songpayom, Head of the Dissemination Division, Pak Phanang River Basin Development Coordination and Operation Center under the Royal Initiative, in collaboration with Dr. Prasert Nontakan, Lecturer at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Nakhon Si Thammarat Campus. The machine serves as a prototype tool for converting water hyacinth and other local plants into value-added materials that benefit community livelihoods. The Royal Irrigation Department, through Irrigation Office 15, together with the Office of the Special Committee for Coordination of Royal Projects, has been exploring sustainable solutions to manage and mitigate the water hyacinth problem within the Pak Phanang Basin Project area.
The collaboration with Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya aims to transform water hyacinth — traditionally regarded as an aquatic weed — into a biodegradable and environmentally friendly planting pot. Unlike conventional plastic pots that harm the environment, the hyacinth-based pots can be planted directly into the soil, where they naturally decompose into organic fertilizer, promoting soil enrichment and reducing plastic waste. This innovation not only helps reduce aquatic weed problems but also supports local farmers by providing new economic opportunities aligned with sustainable development goals.
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