Empowering Sustainability International Journal

Coastal cities are particularly exposed to natural hazard and climate change impacts. Due to its geography, its likeliness to be impacted by natural hazards and its low level of preparedness, Bangkok, Thailand, is one of the most vulnerable coastal cities in the world. A growing number of organizations and individuals are working together to bridge the divides among government, international, national and local organizations and members of civil society in order to reduce Bangkok’s vulnerability.  An increase in local knowledge, paired with stronger local collaboration, enhances a society’s preparedness against natural hazards. This study examines the role of boundary organizations and environmental champions in boundary-spanning activities aimed at increasing environmental cooperation and preparedness in Bangkok.  Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and archival analysis. The findings of this case study highlight the importance of boundary-spanning organizations and key individuals (i.e., environmental champions) in facilitating cooperation between disparate groups at varying geographic scales to increase preparedness in a city vulnerable to natural hazards.