Nourishing the Spirit of Lanna:Stream Management and Cultural Heritage Revival through Cultural Capital, Knowledge, and Social Theory Integration

This paper presents a strategic framework for revitalizing the culturally significant of Chiang Mai’s waterways, integral to its cultural legacy. The “Lost Local Stream” initiative goes beyond academic study to recover and celebrate the historical narratives of five community sites: the ancient sacred spring of Wiang Jed Lin, the revival of Nong Bua’s memories, the reinstatement of the Yi Peng tradition through Sa-pao crafts, the Nantaram Community’s heritage, and the indigenous water management expertise at Phaya Kham Weir. The aim of this initiative is to revive community interaction with Chiang Mai’s historical waterways, fostering development that honors local heritage by intertwining Cultural Capital, Knowledge Management, and Social Capital Theories. This research draws on the combined strength of three theories to deepen the understanding and practical application of cultural capital, specifically geared towards Lanna’s heritage conservation goals. The expected results of this initiative encompass strengthening community identity, revitalizing historical narratives, and reinforcing the cultural significance of the region to impact the community a positively and innovative economy that thrives on creativity and cultural richness. This project underscores the necessity of a sustainable, balanced approach to cultural heritage management, pairing economic advancement with the preservation and homage to cultural mores, to cultivate a dynamic, culturally vibrant Chiang Mai that harmonizes its ancestral roots with contemporary urban progress.