Building Social License: Engaging Stakeholders for WtE & Pyrolysis in Thailand

In Thailand, the concept of social license plays a crucial role in managing environmental projects like Waste-to-Energy (WtE) and pyrolysis facilities. Stakeholder engagement is not merely a box-ticking exercise; it's the lifeblood of a project's acceptance and success. We will explore various strategies for obtaining community support, focusing on methods grounded in transparency, inclusivity, and mutual benefits.

Understanding Social License and Its Importance

Social license refers to the ongoing approval and acceptance of a project by the local community and stakeholders. Unlike legal permits, social license is intangible and must be earned continuously through community engagement and responsiveness.

With increasing environmental awareness among the Thai public, particularly in urban areas like Bangkok, the social license has become more essential than ever. The public expects transparency about air quality, waste management methods, and how these projects will affect their lives. For instance, recent PM2.5 pollution episodes have made residents uneasy, demanding that WtE projects ensure minimal environmental impact.

Construction site for a Waste-to-Energy facility in Thailand.

Navigating Thailand’s Regulatory Landscape

One of the quickest ways to de-risk a WtE or pyrolysis project is to align with the guidelines established by Thailand's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Health Impact Assessment (EHIA). The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) sets clear expectations for public participation, including the need for personal consultations and data disclosure.

When approaching your project, it is vital to understand these regulatory frameworks. They not only lay the groundwork for broader community engagement but also serve as a checklist for best practices. For example, the EIA emphasizes identifying affected communities, while lenders like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) insist on inclusive engagement plans.

Key Points to Note:

• EIA/EHIA Requirements: Public consultation, disclosure of project details, and community feedback must align with ONEP's standards.

• Lender Guidelines: Prepare stakeholder engagement plans that emphasize participatory, transparent practices (including vulnerable groups).

  
  

Building Your Stakeholder Engagement Program

The creation of a robust stakeholder program starts with mapping engagement strategies closely aligned with Thai EIA/EHIA and lender norms.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Concept Scanning (Weeks 1-3): Assess local air quality concerns and identify vulnerable groups.

2. Consultation Planning (Weeks 4-6): Organize transparent disclosure meetings to communicate project objectives and concerns.

   
   

   This can be facilitated through village meetings that gather feedback from local stakeholders. By doing so, project developers not only meet legal requirements but also foster goodwill and trust within the community.

   
   

3. Incorporation of Feedback (Weeks 7-10): Adapt project designs based on stakeholder comments. For instance, adding buffer zones or adopting eco-friendly logistics helps alleviate concerns.

   
   

Public consultation meeting for a Waste-to-Energy project in Thailand.

Creating a Transparent Communication Strategy

A strong communication strategy is essential for maintaining social license throughout the lifecycle of the project. This involves creating accessible public materials that provide clear explanations about health risks, safety protocols, and operational plans.

Components of Effective Communication:

• Health and Safety Controls: Utilize plain language to explain the emission control technologies in use.

• Regular Reporting: Commit to publishing air quality monitoring results and other relevant data transparently.

  
  

Transparency is an ongoing process and includes community-specific metrics. Share dashboards that highlight community engagement statistics, complaint resolutions, and compliance with environmental measures.

Community Benefit Initiatives

Introducing community-focused initiatives can significantly bolster your social license. These initiatives should be tailored to local needs and can include:

• Job Creation and Training: Prioritize job opportunities for local residents to serve as operators and maintenance staff for the facility.

• Environmental Education Programs: Partner with schools to create awareness about air quality and the benefits of waste management technologies.

  
  

Addressing Common Concerns Among Stakeholders

With heightened awareness regarding environmental issues, stakeholders may raise various concerns that need addressing.

Common Concerns:

• Odour Control: Understand that real-time data on odour management can ease public worries. Deploy solutions such as biofilters and ensure there are routine patrols for complaints.

• Traffic and Noise Pollution: Efficient routing plans and noise barriers can minimize disturbances during operations, particularly during sensitive hours.

  
  

Implementing these strategies requires genuine community involvement and can help tailor solutions that resonate with local sentiments.

An urban area in Thailand demonstrating the clean environment initiative.

Finalizing Your Permit Pack and Community Engagement Plans

After successfully undergoing consultations and adapting project designs based on community feedback, you are ready to finalize your permit pack. Make sure to include evidence of effective stakeholder engagement in your submissions.

Essential Documents to Prepare:

• Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP): Outline objectives, stakeholder mapping, and consultation schedules.

• Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP): Document potential risks and mitigation measures, particularly for vulnerable groups.

  
  

By laying down a transparent, inclusive approach, you not only strengthen your proposal's viability but can also unlock additional funding avenues and incentives.

Moving Forward Together

As Thailand progresses toward embracing sustainable waste management technologies, the path to earning social license becomes clearer. A well-structured stakeholder engagement program, rooted in transparency and responsiveness, is the cornerstone of success in WtE and pyrolysis projects.

Communities desire genuine dialogue, transparent information, and a seat at the decision-making table. By actively listening and adapting to these needs, your project will not only have the necessary permits but also the trust and support of the community it serves.

By focusing on these strategies, the development of WtE and pyrolysis initiatives can align with national and local environmental goals while creating tangible community benefits.