DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.173070.2 ISSN: 2046-1402

Key factors of Sustainable development on strengthening empowerment of environmental volunteer networks.

Supit Boonlab, Sanitdech Jintana
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This study investigates the key factors influencing the strengthening empowerment within environmental volunteer networks, with a focus on Thailand’s sustainability context. Environmental volunteer groups, such as Trash Hero Thailand, play an increasingly critical role in addressing ecological challenges, yet their effectiveness is shaped by complex interactions among external factors, individual and community needs, and achievements. A quantitative methods design employed a structured questionnaire distributed among 390 participants from Trash Hero Thailand followers and local volunteer groups in Rayong and Chonburi Provinces, Thailand. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze relationships among variables. Findings reveal that external factors, including political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal dimensions, significantly impact strengthening empowerment both directly and indirectly through achievement. Achievement was confirmed as a strong mediator, highlighting stratab;tegy, organizational structure, and communication style as critical success dimensions. Interestingly, needs negatively influenced strengthening empowerment, suggesting that unmet or excessive needs may undermine self-sufficiency unless translated into concrete achievements. The study concludes that sustainable empowerment requires a balance of external support, organizational achievement, and capacity building. Recommendations include achievement-driven empowerment strategies, graduated support models to reduce dependency, and adaptive monitoring systems. These insights contribute to advancing resilient, self-sustaining environmental volunteer networks aligned with national sustainability goals.

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