WATER BALANCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT ANALYSES FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OF ELEPHANT CAMPS, CHIANG MAI PROVINCE, THAILAND

Abstract

This study focuses on evaluating the water balance and environmental footprints of four elephant camps in the Mae Taeng and Mae Wang districts of Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The study assesses the environmental impact of human activities in terms of natural resource usage, consumption, and waste. The results reveal that while the elephant camps generally have sufficient water resources for their needs, certain camps may need to enhance their water storage and wastewater treatment capabilities. The ecological footprint analysis indicates that the resource consumption in elephant camps exceeds the average in Thailand and worldwide, emphasizing the importance of sustainable resource management. This study contributes valuable insights into developing efficient water management models and promoting sustainable tourism practices in the context of elephant camps.