# “Project on Enhancing the Capacity of Local Public Service Provision through Local Coordination and Cooperation” Technical Cooperation Project (February 2010 - Current)

Thailand

In 1997, the constitution of Thailand was amended to promote decentralization. However, the size of each municipality providing public service is small, and under the present situation, municipalities are unable to provide the level of public services required as a result of decentralization. Therefore, municipalities are required to provide public services efficiently by collaborating with other municipalities. This project aims to focus its efforts on important areas. For example, it is important for governing bodies higher than the prefectural level to support municipalities (cities, towns, and villages). Thus, the project aims to transfer the technologies and skills for efficient public services by sharing the knowledge and experience gained through coordinating with higher-level governments with municipalities. Through these efforts, the project is expected to improve the ability of the municipalities to provide public services that support the foundation of people's lives, and to contribute to Thailand's further development.

A Japanese expert inspects a joint project (removal of weeds from irrigation canals) between adjacent municipalities (Photo: JICA)

# (5) Cultural Preservation and Promotion

In developing countries, more people are interested in the promotion and preservation of their own cultures. For example, cultural heritages that symbolize a country are not only the source of pride for its people, but can also be used effectively as sightseeing resources to develop the society of the residents of surrounding areas. However, many of the cultural heritages of developing countries are at risk, and support to protect those cultural heritages can be viewed as cooperation that goes direct to people's hearts, and has long-term impact. In addition, the preservation of the precious cultural heritages that are shared by all humankind is an issue that not only developing countries should be dealing with, but the entire international community as well.

The Tikal ruins in Guatemala

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Since 1975 Japan has continued to contribute the promotion of cultural and higher educational activities and preservation of cultural heritages of developing countries with Cultural Grant Assistance*. Specifically, Japan has implemented construction of the facilities for the preservation and use of the cultural heritages and cultural properties, sports and cultural facilities, higher education and research organization facilities, and improvement of necessary equipment in the said facilities. The equipment and facilities provided to developing countries through Cultural Grant Assistance are also used as bases for providing information of Japan, and for cultural exchange, and would deepen the understanding of Japan and fostering a sense of affinity toward Japan. In recent years, from the viewpoint of “greater visibility of Japanese assistance,” support for Japanese language education, traditional Japanese martial arts, and other such areas have been priority areas.

In FY2010, Japan provided assistance for the tourism and educational facilities related to natural and cultural heritages in Tanzania, Cambodia, Honduras, and Guatemala. In addition to providing the opportunity for the people of these countries to become familiar with their precious natural and cultural heritages, this assistance was intended to contribute to socio-economic development through the tourism industry.