The Case of Chiang Mai, Thailand Climate and Development Concerns, the City Government Has Advocated the Use of Non-Motorised Transport (NMT)

INSIDE STORIES on climate compatible development

May 2014

Key messages Increasing greenhouse gas Catalysing sustainable tourism: emissions from transport threaten the growing tourism industry in Chiang Mai. To address both The case of Chiang Mai, Thailand climate and development concerns, the city government has advocated the use of non-motorised transport (NMT). Chiang Mai is one of the fastest growing cities in Thailand and serves as a regional economic and cultural hub in the northern part of the country. Climate mitigation comes with Its rich cultural heritage and pristine natural resources draw millions of In addition to its potential to reduce tourists each year. However, rapid growth and expansion, exacerbated by greenhouse emissions, the NMT initiative addresses other issues Faced with rampant unplanned development, air and water pollution, quality, income generation for the Mai has launched the non-motorised transport (NMT) system, which poor and the long-term viability of aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create employment the tourism industry. Small but concrete steps toward climate compatible strategy has gained support from policy-makers and climate mitigation can create citizens alike. This case study looks at how the NMT plan was developed, good examples. The project on sustainable urban tourism catalysed planning for a more ambitious what lessons the City of Chiang Mai has learned about climate compatible expansion of NMT in the city, as well development planning as a result. as the adoption of more sustainable land-use practices and low-carbon compared to 2011.3 The industry generates action in other sectors. The need for a more sustainable approach This very positive local story Department of Tourism noted that over 35% nonetheless highlights some of Supporting over 300,000 people in an area of visitors from Bangkok – which is only 750 the tensions and trade-offs around 2 1 green tourism: namely, that local of 40,216 km , the capital of Chiang Mai kilometres away from Chiang Mai – arrive initiatives may address emissions in Province serves as a regional economic by air, and most tourists use private cars situ, but not the emissions produced and cultural hub in Northern Thailand. In and buses to navigate the city. by tourists as they travel to the the last 10 years, the city’s economy has locality. grown continuously, largely driven by the Chiang Mai is also becoming a regional hub commercial sector and tourism industry. for transportation, aviation, education and In 2012, the tourism sector generated medical services. Yet it is rapidly outgrowing Authors: more than 35% of provincial GDP.2 Chiang its infrastructure. The once-compact city Kyoko Kusakabe, Pujan Shrestha and Mai hosts millions of tourists every year – centre is giving way to sprawling expansion. S. Kumar, Asian Institute of Technology Trinnawat Suwanprik, Chiang Mai around 5 million in 2012 – and this number Unplanned urban development, the Municipality is increasing: tourism grew by 18% in 2012

CDKN has a growing portfolio of work in states, provinces, cities and districts. It is committed to capturing the lessons learned, and to better understanding what makes low-carbon and climate-resilient development efforts work well at the subnational level. CDKN and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability have set up a joint learning programme to distil and share these lessons with others. This Inside Story is one output of the learning programme. For more in the series, visit www.cdkn.org/cdkn_series/inside-story practices, and a lack of integrated transport in 2011. It also explored strategies for low- effort to explore a win–win strategy to and land use planning have left Chiang carbon emissions while simultaneously alleviate poverty and promote low-carbon creating green job opportunities for men development in urban tourism. The city congestion, air pollution, an inadequate and women, particularly the poor. sought a multi-stakeholder partnership among researchers, local authorities, pedestrian walkways further encourage Table 1 summarises emissions produced private companies, non-governmental the use of private cars and motorbikes. As by the tourism sector in Chiang Mai organisations and locals, and the project a result, personal mobility, liveability and and their respective percentage of total adopted a participatory approach to identify environmental sustainability have declined, emissions. In total, Chiang Mai emitted suitable options for reducing greenhouse and urban transport has become a major around 4,233,304 tons of carbon dioxide gas emissions while also creating income- source of greenhouse gas emissions. Yet equivalent (CO2e) from products and generating opportunities for the poor. maintaining a clean and uncongested services associated with the tourism environment is integral to the tourist sector in 2011.5 As seen here, the largest Based on consultation with stakeholders, experience that Chiang Mai is marketing source of greenhouse gas emissions is the the project assessed climate change to both domestic and foreign tourists. This transport sector. This case study does not mitigation options vis-à-vis their potential issue became an important impetus for the directly analyse the larger carbon footprint for creating local employment. To reduce city to look further into options to reduce created by travel to and from the city but greenhouse gas emissions, a greater greenhouse gas emissions. focuses on progress made in reducing emphasis was placed on the transportation emissions within Chiang Mai. sector. Because air travel emissions are The city recognised the need to identify and outside the city’s purview, stakeholders quantify its greenhouse gas emissions. Support mechanisms and city A project called ‘Sustainable Urban initiatives from ground transportation and suggested Tourism through Low-carbon Initiatives: developing a non-motorised transport Experiences from Hue and Chiang Mai’ Programmes and strategies for low- (NMT) system in Chiang Mai Municipality. estimated the emissions emitted by the carbon development are often technology- products and services associated with the oriented, such as mass transit systems, NMT is any form of transportation that tourism sector in Chiang Mai. This was and lack consideration of the impacts on uses human or animal power to move conducted in collaboration with the Asian local people.7 This is especially true for people or goods using methods other Institute of Technology (AIT), Chiang Mai the tourism industry, where employment than the combustion engine.9 It includes Municipality, and the Hue City Centre for walking, cycling, small-wheeled transport, International Cooperation. Funded by the mostly limited to the hospitality sector Sustainable Mekong Research Network (e.g. large companies) and may neglect to options for mobility. (SUMERNET) and CDKN, the project match jobs with the skills of local people.8 used the Bilan Carbone® tool4 to estimate Undertaking the Sustainable Urban By reducing road congestion, NMT can tourism-related greenhouse gas emissions Transport project was part of Chiang Mai’s enhance recreational opportunities for tourists. Walking and cycling in particular Table 1: Summary of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the directly reduce carbon dioxide emissions tourism sector in Chiang Mai that would have originated from motorised

Emissions transport. These are also modes of

Sources (tons of CO2e) Percentage access to public transport and, thus, their promotion may lead to increased public Travel (travel within the city and to the city from outside) 4,233,304 95.8% transport use. In terms of socioeconomic Energy (electricity and fuel used) 77,695 1.8%

Property (infrastructure and assets) 53,905 1.2% increases use of pedestrian zones, where tourists and other visitors are more likely to Direct waste (food, waste and waste water) 29,851 0.7% buy handicrafts and other goods from local Inputs (material, products and services) 22,756 0.5% vendors along the sidewalk.

Total 4,417,511 100% Consequently, Chiang Mai prepared an NMT Source: Kumar et al. (2013)6 campaign with plans for a bicycle route and

2 sidewalk that connects major hotel areas addresses both the problem of municipality’s decision to develop NMT with the Three Kings Monument Square and is its potential to reduce greenhouse moat in Chiang Mai. Increasing the number rising demand for city transportation gas emissions while providing of bicycle routes and cyclists in the inner city that can serve both tourists and income-generating opportunities for can create employment opportunities for residents of Chiang Mai. Sustainable the poor, including tricycle and bicycle urban transport represents a operators, as well as street vendors and repair shops, bicycle sellers, street more sustainable urban tourism by offering opportunities for them to vendors, pedicab providers and tour guides. characterised by shift in means of earn extra income. Implementing NMT options in the area could transport towards greener options. replace 535,820 to 1,339,550 local vehicle 2. Previous experience in Implications and lessons (diesel) kilometres travelled per year, cutting implementing low-carbon learned

230–570 tons of CO2e greenhouse gas initiatives. Chiang Mai had emissions per year. This translates to a previously worked towards low- Support by the top authority is critical. reduction of 0.6–1.6% of greenhouse gas carbon development options through Any venture is more likely to succeed emissions from ground transport within the its involvement in the ‘Action Towards if it has the interest and full support of city. the highest authority. Obtaining the top Cities in Asia’, a project funded authority’s buy-in is essential to obtaining The Sustainable Urban Transport Project in by French Agency for Energy and institutional backing and wider support. Chiang Mai is still under detailed design and Environment Management (ADEME) The Sustainable Urban Transport project construction in parallel with improvement of in collaboration with the AIT. The generated a greater impact because of the the overall city centre. As of early 2014, the programme involved capacity building city authorities’ support for policy change. cycling and walking centre is being built, on climate change issues, greenhouse The Mayor of Chiang Mai, Mr Tassani gas emissions inventories, climate Buranupakorn, was keen to work toward made to designs, in response to comments and energy plans, and included a pilot low-carbon development options, and this from stakeholders in nearby communities. activity on greenhouse gas mitigation. project advanced his vision. The city government aims to increase its This laid the foundation for the city’s bicycle lane networks from 4% to 10% interest in opportunities for climate A participatory approach pays off. within the city centre. Other proposed compatible urban tourism. The project’s inclusive nature fostered a activities include reduction of the speed 3. Potential for a win–win situation. multi-stakeholder partnership. Almost all limit by 20% for vehicles within the canal The most important impetus for the partners were involved from the beginning area, introducing car free days, promoting segways, and organising exhibitions that promote cycling. The city government has Key outcomes of the Sustainable Urban Tourism project garnered support from other stakeholders Catalytic effect on low-carbon development: Although it is too early to to advocate cycling; for example, the pinpoint any direct impacts of the project, it has served as positive reinforce- Chiang Mai Sunday Cycling Club organised ment and further encouraged the city to strengthen its commitment to low- the 2014 Bicycle Festival in February 2014. carbon development. Since the project’s completion, the city has taken rec- ommended options for the development and extension of an NMT zone as one of its policy statements and has committed to further action.10 The policy Enabling factors statement was approved by the Mayor of Chiang Mai and local authorities aim to increase the area of non-motorised zones (e.g. bicycle lanes) in the Three related factors stimulated the city’s city centre by up to 10% (currently at 4%). interest in and progress in implementing a Increased public awareness: Several activities organised within the proj- sustainable urban transport approach: ect framework resulted in a better understanding of low-carbon initiatives 1. by both local authorities and the general public. Public consultations and local-language publications have increased people’s awareness of the im- term development plan. Decision- portance of NMT and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and makers realised that the initiative is address climate change issues in general. The involvement of the media as critical to enhancing the city’s liveability a key stakeholder increased the project’s publicity. The public consultations and maintaining its attractiveness as a leading tourist destination. Particularly, the swiftness of local authorities’ actions on the issue. the sustainable transport approach

3 Endnotes e all know the from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), 1 TIS-C (2012) Economic structure of the region. problem of air Chiang Mai: Trade and Investment Service which aims to undertake integrated land use Centre Chiang Mai (TIS-C). http://tisccm.moc. W and sustainable urban transport planning jams and road safety. The 2 Department of Tourism (2012) International in Chiang Mai through the improvement/ Tourist Arrivals in Thailand 2012. Bangkok, Sustainable Urban Transport Thailand: Government of Thailand. http:// development of a non-motorised zone. The Sustainable Urban Transportation project those threats seriously. 3 Ibid. functioned as an initial catalyst and served 4 Bilan Carbone® is an Excel spreadsheet However, it is those who love as a discussion platform for the GEF-project. developed by the French Agency for Environment and Energy Management (ADEME) to calculate Chiang Mai that truly make It is expected that the pilot project will make greenhouse gas emissions of organisations or the change. Let us act for our cycling and walking more appealing in territory. It provides greenhouse gas emissions in carbon or carbon dioxide equivalent in kg health, our city, our future! Chiang Mai. or ton. More information is available at http:// – Mr Tassani Buranupakorn, Mayor of Chiang Mai and at www. ademe.fr. Good results can initiate behavioural 5 Kumar, S., Kusakabe, K., Pradhan, P., Shrestha, change toward low-carbon development P., Goteti, S., Tuan, T.A., Meteejaroenwong, E., Suwanprik, S., and Linh, K. (2013). ‘Greenhouse of the project, including tourism service options. The success of the project and the gas emissions from tourism service providers: providers (i.e. hotels, restaurants, travel level of discussion it was able to generate Case studies in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Hue, Vietnam’, in Lebel, L. et al. (eds) Livelihoods, agencies, etc.) who provided data for the have paved the way forward for more low- ecosystem services and the challenges of calculation of greenhouse gas emissions, carbon-related initiatives in the city. Chiang regional integration in the Mekong region. Selangor, Malaysia: Strategic Information and and stakeholders who participated during the Mai has realised that the development of Research Development Centre (SIRD). meeting to prioritise the mitigation options an NMT area must go hand-in-hand with 6 Ibid. 7 Boyd, E. (2002) ‘The Noel Kempff project in (suggested by the project partners) as well a willingness in the community to adopt a Bolivia: Gender, power, and decision-making as to provide policy recommendations. low-carbon lifestyle. Chiang Mai plans to set in climate mitigation’. Gender and Development 10(2): 70–77. up the Chiang Mai City Council for Climate 8 Liu, A. and Wall, G. (2006) ‘Planning tourism employment: A developing country perspective’. A successful project can generate Change to promote Low-Carbon Campuses Editing, design and layout: Green Ink (www.greenink.co.uk)

Tourism Management 27: 159–170. | positive spin-off. The project bridged and prepare a Low Emission Development 9 Adebambo, S. O. and Yetunde, S. F. (2010) the gap between climate data and actual Strategy (LEDS) for participating universities. ‘Evaluation of non-motorized transport (NMT) system in the movements of market wares in practice, and explored how this data can To this end, it will launch related activities and a medium-sized city of a developing economy’, be effectively communicated. As a result, implement LEDS for academic institutes, 11: 72–85. the Three Kings Monument area is being promoting these activities internationally to 10 AIT (2013) ‘Towards green pathway-Chiang used as a demonstration site in a new pilot increase Chiang Mai’s reputation as a low- Mai Municipality’. Policy brief. Khlong Luang, Thailand: Asian Institute of Technology. www. project on NMT. The pilot project is currently carbon city. sut.ait.ac.th

www.cmcity.go.th www.ait.ac.th Front cover photo: Trinnawat Suwanprik, Chiang Mai Municipality Trinnawat Front cover photo: Funded by:

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