A Model of Environmental Education Based on Buddha’s Teachings for People in Communities

The objectives of this research were to develop a Buddhist-based environmental education model for communities in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. The specific objectives are 1) to analyse the community’s environmental context; 2) to assess the level of understanding of environmental education and Buddhist principles (the Four Noble Truths, the Three Characteristics of Existence, and the Threefold Training); 3) to create an integrated environmental education model grounded in Buddhist ethics and 4) To evaluate mentioned model efficiency by using mixed method of quantitative and qualitative research. Data were collected from 398 community members and 12 community leaders in Nonthaburi through questionnaires, surveys, and interviews. The model’s efficacy was assessed using Kirkpatrick’s evaluation framework, and data were analysed using mean, frequency, percentage, standard deviation (SD) and content analysis. Results revealed that most participants were men (74.12%), averaging 48 years old, married (43.22%), held bachelor’s degrees (43.70%), worked in agriculture (67.60%) and earned 5,000–10,000 THB monthly (83.92%). Key environmental issues included wastewater (23.12%), solid waste (19.60%) and air pollution (17.09%). Participants demonstrated moderate understanding of environmental education and Buddhist principles. The proposed model comprises six components: 1) local leadership emphasizing community participation; 2) environmental education fostering human-environment interconnectedness; 3) environmental management promoting tangible engagement; 4) livelihood development balancing income and sustainability; 5) spiritual tourism for income and knowledge exchange and 6) Buddhist ethics for mental and life quality development. Feedback from 50 participants confirmed the model’s high efficacy in integrating Buddhist principles with environmental education, strengthening communities and advancing sustainable development.