Enhancing Awareness of Legal Rights and Responsibilities in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process

🌿 The Law Program at Walailak University organized an academic outreach activity under the project entitled “Enhancing Awareness of Legal Rights and Responsibilities in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process.”

📍 The activity was held at Debsirin Nakhon Si Thammarat School (formerly Chalermrat Pracha Uthit School) and in the Chang Sai Subdistrict community, Phra Phrom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, on 23 July 2026.

🌿 Walailak University, through the Law Program, School of Law, in collaboration with the Center for Academic Services, Debsirin Nakhon Si Thammarat School, and the Chang Sai Subdistrict community, implemented this academic outreach project to provide young people and local residents with knowledge of environmental law.

🌿 The project was led by Lecturer Natjira Kraithong, School of Law, Walailak University.        It aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and understanding of the principles, laws, and procedures relating to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The project also sought to raise public awareness of their legal rights and responsibilities, particularly the rights to access information, express opinions, and participate in decision-making processes concerning development projects that may affect the environment, public health, and the quality of life of local communities.

💡 Legal Academic Outreach for Schools and Communities

The activity focused on providing knowledge about the procedures for preparing EIA reports, measures for preventing and mitigating environmental impacts, and the rights of members of the public to monitor, scrutinize, and participate in development projects within their communities. Knowledge was delivered through lectures, consultations, educational materials, and role-playing activities, enabling participants to understand complex legal procedures more easily.

In addition to enhancing knowledge among young people and members of the community, the project provided students enrolled in LAW63-371 Environmental Law with opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in real-life situations. The students developed skills in analyzing environmental issues, communicating legal knowledge in language accessible to the public, and collaborating with schools, communities, and relevant organizations. These experiences help prepare them to become socially responsible legal professionals with a strong commitment to public service.

🎯 Integration with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This academic outreach activity supports a key Sustainable Development Goal indicator: SDG 4.3.4: Education Outreach Activities Beyond Campus.

The project enabled school students, young people, and members of the local community to access knowledge of environmental law and the EIA process through learning activities outside the classroom, practical exercises, and role-playing activities. Faculty members and law students worked together to deliver legal knowledge in a systematic, engaging, and accessible manner.

🌱 From Legal Knowledge to the Protection of People’s Rights

The project helped young people and members of the community develop a better understanding of the EIA process, enabling them to appropriately monitor, scrutinize, and participate in development projects that may affect their local areas. It also strengthened collaboration among the university, schools, and communities in protecting environmental and health rights.

The project therefore extended beyond the transfer of legal knowledge. It also sought to foster responsible citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities, use natural resources responsibly, and actively participate in promoting balanced, transparent, and sustainable community development.