Chiang Mai University has established comprehensive water management practices for sustainable campus landscaping through strategic plant selection and advanced monitoring systems. These initiatives demonstrate the university’s commitment to water conservation and integrated water resources management while maintaining the aesthetic quality of campus green spaces.
The university’s approach to water-conscious planting emphasizes the selection of drought-tolerant species adapted to local climate conditions. Following landscape improvement projects in 2021, the university implemented systematic planting of water-efficient vegetation throughout campus, particularly around the Ang Kaew reservoir area. Priority species include Fueang Fa (Ruellia), Marigold, and Salao trees, selected for their exceptional water efficiency, minimal irrigation requirements, and resilience to extreme weather conditions. These plants exemplify sustainable landscaping principles by requiring significantly reduced water resources compared to conventional ornamental species.
The Plant Database Management System, developed by the Buildings Division since 2020, serves as a critical tool for monitoring and optimizing water usage across campus landscapes. This comprehensive digital platform systematically tracks 19,082 individual trees representing 318 different plant species across 32 locations throughout the university. The database records scientific names, common names, characteristics, and precise locations of all planted species, enabling evidence-based decision-making for landscape water management by tracking which species demonstrate optimal water conservation performance under local conditions.
Public access to plant information is facilitated through QR code technology installed at strategic locations throughout campus. This system allows students, staff, and visitors to instantly access detailed information about water-conscious plant species and their conservation benefits. The database is publicly available at https://buildings.oop.cmu.ac.th/plant/
Beyond aesthetic considerations, the university’s landscape strategy prioritizes ecosystem services and watershed protection. Plant selection criteria explicitly consider factors including groundwater recharge potential, water quality protection, and support for aquatic ecosystem health in adjacent water bodies. The systematic monitoring of nearly 20,000 trees contributes to ongoing refinement of water-conscious planting standards applicable to both new construction and renovation projects.
This integrated approach to water-conscious landscaping aligns with UN Target 6.4 on water efficiency and sustainable water extraction, while supporting broader environmental goals including climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation. Through evidence-based plant selection and comprehensive data management of 318 species across campus, Chiang Mai University demonstrates leadership in sustainable campus water stewardship.