Text mining analysis of institutional fit of Lake Basin water governance

The purpose of this work was to quantitatively determine the institutional fit of the existing and applicable water governance laws in the Songkhla Lake Basin (SLB) Thailand, using text mining analysis. The study found out that the current governance system is not fit for the purpose of the sustainability of the SLB. Data derived from text mining were able to show the weakness in the applicable/relevant water governance laws and such challenges in enforcement and compliance. Institutional priorities were identified and compared to management response to issues concerning SLB; this imbalance showed another challenge to fit. The results of this study further buttressed the need for institutional reforms towards an Adaptive Integrated Lake Basin Management (AILBM). The general assessment of degree of recognition and involvement of institutions, overlaps, gaps, institutional priorities and response to resource management show a clear picture of misfit of the water laws used to govern the SLB. To achieve institutional fit, future institutional reforms should be based on the principles of AILBM and the development of institutions that are capable of creating a singular coordinating and policy harmonization committee to clearly identify roles and responsibilities and delineate functions with appropriate management response to the socio-ecological system of the SLB.