Innovation and Sustainable Development in Forest Conservation and the Agricultural Sector Field Trip to Chachoengsao and Chonburi Provinces

On 21 June 2023, the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a field trip entitled "Innovation and Sustainable Development in Forest Conservation and the Agricultural Sector" with Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke, Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA Spokesperson leading a delegation comprising Ambassadors/Embassy Representatives and foreign media in Thailand to visit the "Bajarasudha Gajanurak" project at Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, Chachoengsao Province.

During the morning session, the delegation was briefed on the work of the Bajarasudha Gajanurak Foundation by General Chalermchai Sitthisad, Privy Councillor and Executive Chair of the Bajarasudha Gajanurak Foundation. The work of the Foundation covers 5 main areas: 1) Elephant well-being 2) Elephant demarcation 3) Surveillance and tracking of elephants' movements 4) Livelihoods of the local people and 5) Research cooperation. The delegation then visited the Operation Centre to see the "True Smart Early Warning system " and The Phu Tai Reservoir to learn about water resource management for wildlife and enjoyed an activity to plant grass seeds.

In the afternoon session, the delegation visited a collaborative farming project at Baan Nong Krating community. The delegation was welcomed by Mr. Kajornkiat Rakpanichmani, Governor of Chachoengsao Province and a briefing by Dr. Royboon Rassameethes, Deputy Director, Hydro-Informatics Institute (Public Organization), explaining the community's water management and the use of solar energy in the water distribution system for collaborative farming, which covers an area of 17 rais comprising 35 local enterprises.

The delegation applauded the "Bajarasudha Gajanurak" Foundation's holistic approach in tackling the problem of elephants trespassing the farming areas, water resource management, and community development, as well as promoting income-generating skills. They commended the partnership between the "Bajarasudha Gajanurak" Foundation, relevant government agencies, private sector, and the community. After visiting the farming area, the delegation also enjoyed browsing and purchasing community products. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to showcase local communities'work to the diplomatic community and foreign media in Thailand.