Developing a socio-ecological synergy framework for sustainable waste management in ethnic communities

Abstract

Sustainable waste management in ethnic communities remains a persistent challenge due to geographical constraints, limited infrastructure, and the complex interaction of socio-cultural and governance factors. Existing studies have predominantly focused on technical and behavioral dimensions, with limited attention to the relationships among governance systems, cultural capital, and community participation. This study examined sustainable waste management behavior and developed a community-based framework for ethnic communities in Nan Province, Thailand. A sequential mixed-methods design was employed with integration occurring at the interpretation stage. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with eight key informants from three local administrative organizations (LAOs) and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Quantitative data were collected from 420 ethnic community residents and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and mediation analysis. The regression model explained 20.7% of the variance in sustainable waste management behavior (R² = 0.207). Perceived information exposure was the strongest positive predictor (β = 0.293, p < .001), whereas environmental knowledge showed a small but significant negative association (β = −0.128, p = .005). A statistically significant indirect association between attitudes and behavior through perceived information exposure was also observed (B = 0.085, 95% bootstrap CI [0.033, 0.148]). Qualitative findings highlighted governance continuity, cultural leadership, community participation, and locally embedded practices as important dimensions of local waste management. Integration of both strands informed the provisional Socio-Ecological Synergy Framework, linking institutional, socio-cultural, and behavioral dimensions of sustainable waste management.