Senior Field Coordinator Surirat Kochawat says simple techniques

BCR CC project empowers vulnerable people and teaches the project
staff some lessons
An interview with Ms Surirat Kochawat, Senior Field Coordinator, BCR CC project
Written by Boonthida Ketsomboon
Edited by Julian Zschoke
What are the benefits of your involvement, working with
the community in the BCR CC project?
The BCR CC project assesses the risk level, capacity and
vulnerability of communities facing the impacts of climate
change. The project utilizes various tools for data collection
such as a seasonal calendar, Venn Diagrams and other tools in
the CARE Handbook of Climate Vulnerability and Capacity
Analysis (CVCA). These tools help us to better understand the
changes and challenges that communities are confronted with.
It also reinforces the concept that
“Integrating climate change adaptation into development projects can increase sustainability”.
The process uses critical thinking and systematic analysis to produce rational
conclusions and acts as a form of capacity building. The CVCA process also promotes multisectoral collaboration, bringing together project staff, technical specialists, government
agencies, local administrative organizations and the community to analyse data. The
implementation of priority action projects then relies on collaboration among stakeholders.
“We must use simple techniques and language to transfer information which can direct the
communities to recognise the impacts climate change is having on their life. The context of this
issue is very complex though. If we use the word “adaptation” while talking to the villagers, they
ask “What does that mean?”
What is your impression of the implementation of the BCR CC project?
This project is different from other projects that are implemented in the coastal areas of
Thailand. There is a greater involvement of the community, starting with the initial phases of
the project. The community participates in assessing the potential impacts of climate change on
local livelihoods such as traditional fisheries. The community then works with the project staff
to design an appropriate response. By doing so, the community is empowered to face the
challenges, to ensure that they can sustain interventions through collaboration with the local
government, the local civil society, the education sector, and other stakeholders even after the
project has ended.
How does the Sub-district administrative organization support the BCR CC project?
The project attempts to increase the role of the Sub-district Administrative Organization
(SAO) to serve as the climate change focal point, to work collaboratively and to allocate budgets
for priority projects accordingly. “Villagers elect their representatives to administer local affairs
with the expectation that they will improve their lives and protect local interests.”
The SAO is the closest level of government to the community and is an important driver
of community development. The BCR CC project is thus conducting activities with SAOs in the
project area to raise awareness of climate change and the adverse impacts on those most
vulnerable. The hope is that the SAO will incorporate their new understanding into policies and
plans for the next three-year development cycle.
Khun Surirat also noted that, “participating in this project has helped me to become more skilled,
as I was then able to apply my knowledge in the joint development planning with the community
and local agencies. It helped me to see how my own development, learning, and increased capacity,
could be translated into quality inputs for the target communities. What is beneficial for us (the
staff), translates as benefits to the communities as well.”
For more information contact:
Mr. Prasarn Satarnsathit
Project Manager
t. +66 81 8936826
e. [email protected]
Ms. Watcharabhorn Sa-Nguansin
Program Officer
t. +66 2 265 6863
e. [email protected]

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