Future Earth Thailand Holds National Assembly Network Conference
The Future Earth network in Thailand brought together representatives from various sectors to share ideas and learn from each other. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including climate change adaptation, air pollution, carbon credits, disaster management, and the role of Future Earth Thailand. The conference also featured presentations from global network partners and emphasized the importance of understanding natural resources and environmental issues, enhancing the agricultural economy through international environmental standards, and raising awareness among students, citizens, and those interested in environmental issues. The discussion also highlighted the need for collaboration between management units, workforce development, and capital management in higher education, research, and innovation. With representatives from a number of government agencies, private sector stakeholders, youth, and several others, this event was a great opportunity to promote Future Earth. The event was picked up by a number of national news agencies.
Future of the World, Thailand, and Sustainable Water Management
The role of Future Earth Thailand in promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship was discussed, with a focus on interdisciplinary research approaches. The importance of water management in Thailand to respond to climate change and increasing water demand was emphasized, noting that 90% of freshwater in the country is used for agricultural activities. The emergence of digital water tools and the need to bridge the science-policy gap with the proposed Metahub Asia was discussed to address these challenges. The conversation concluded with a call for meaningful discussions to promote sustainable development and the continued work of the Future Earth Thailand National Committee to strengthen both domestic and international networks.
Future Network Talk: Future Earth Thailand
The Future Earth Thailand committee welcomed everyone to the Future Network Talk, focusing on “Future Earth Thailand,” with Professor Dr. Siwatt Pongpiachan Director of NIDA Center for Research & Development of Disaster Prevention & Management, National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) as the speaker. The event discussed the initiatives of Future Earth, the potential for network connectivity, and the linkage with the Future Earth Global Secretariat, represented in the Assembly meeting by Giles B. Sioen, Future Earth’s Co-lead for Research and Innovation based at the Global Secretariat Japan. The Future Earth Thailand committee emphasized network collaboration, the role of the Ministry of Higher Education, and the new Economic Crop and Greenhouse Gas Unit. The meeting covered the potential of carbon credits to increase farmers’ income and concluded with an open forum focusing on adaptation and continuous learning.
Environmental Management and Agriculture in Thailand
The Future Earth Thailand committee led a comprehensive discussion on the importance of understanding and managing the environment, focusing on Thailand’s agricultural sector and its vulnerability to climate change. They emphasized the need for sustainable water management, the use of satellite technology for monitoring, and the establishment of learning communities to share strategies to address these challenges. The discussion also touched on the impact of land use changes, the role of the government in disaster mitigation, and the need for more detailed research on the country’s water management. The Future Earth Thailand committee stressed the importance of collaboration between engineers and scientists and the need to involve farmers in the process.
Tackling Climate Change and Adaptation
The Future Earth Thailand committee discussed the impact of climate change and rising sea levels in Bangkok, emphasizing the need for collaboration and adaptation. They highlighted the consequences of not addressing these issues, such as floods and pollution, and called for immediate action to prevent future problems and create sustainability. The discussion also touched on the challenges farmers face in flood- and drought-prone areas of Thailand, the potential for high-efficiency networks and computing to solve these issues, and the need for smart water management. The importance of learning and research to adapt to changing environments and the role of the government in driving change were emphasized.
Collaborative Projects for Environmental Solutions
The Future Earth Thailand committee introduced collaborative projects involving universities and government agencies to address environmental issues using space technology, satellite imagery, drones, and sensors. The project aims to improve agricultural efficiency and reduce the impact of climate change in Thailand. The discussion focused on air pollution, its health impacts, and the need for interventions to limit sources. The Future Earth Thailand committee emphasized the role of the Pollution Rescue Department in policy-making and setting standards, and the need to review annual plans. The conversation also touched on the use of analytical tools and testing in research, particularly in the area of air pollution.
Innovative Collaboration and Holistic Approaches to Climate Change
The importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia was emphasized, focusing on carbon emissions and climate change. The discussion centered on innovative research, including major projects on smart agriculture and the potential of community forests to capture carbon. The role of various natural elements in carbon absorption and the need for more holistic solutions were highlighted. The discussion also touched on issues related to food security, the environment, and the need for collective efforts, especially from the younger generation. This session was cut short, leading to plans for two more sessions on ‘Paradise or Disaster’ and ‘Smart Farming.’
Earthquake-Resistant Structures and Disaster Management
The Future Earth Thailand committee discussed issues related to weak structures, particularly in earthquake-prone areas such as Bangkok, and the need for new legislation to ensure buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes. Ongoing research at the National Earthquake Research Center and the potential for further collaboration were also highlighted. The impact of rising temperatures on the environment, including coral bleaching and changes in rainfall patterns, was addressed. Finally, the use of satellite technology in disaster management, particularly in the context of Thailand’s recurring floods, was discussed, emphasizing the need for improved data collection and analysis, and the importance of international cooperation.
Sustainable Smart Agriculture and Technology
The discussion focused on the use of technology and innovation for sustainable smart agriculture to improve crop yields and farmer income. Associate Professor Naha presented projects involving satellite imagery, farm software, and transport systems to optimize resource allocation. The speakers shared insights on sustainable agricultural practices, including renewable energy, environmental products, and rubber plantation management using satellite data. The need for collaboration between standard-setting bodies and professional evaluation systems for farmers was emphasized. The Future Earth Thailand committee discussed the potential of satellite data and automation to increase productivity, reduce costs, and enhance environmental stewardship in farming.
Next Steps
- Future Earth Thailand is committed to continuous research and knowledge development to bridge the gap between science, policy, and practice.
- Pollution Control Department will review and improve air quality standards and monitoring systems.
- Researchers will conduct further studies on the sources and impacts of air pollution in Thailand.
- Government Agencies will enhance the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations.
- Private Sector must invest in and adopt cleaner technologies to reduce emissions.
- Land Development Department will expand its capacity for soil data collection and analysis.
- Researchers aim to develop better models and tools for assessing land degradation.
- Government prioritizes areas for land restoration and management based on degradation assessments.
- Agricultural Agencies will promote the use of precision farming technologies and smart agricultural practices.
- Researchers continue developing satellite and remote sensing applications for agriculture.
- Government focuses on providing more soil and agricultural information services to farmers.
- Educational Institutions will integrate more environmental and sustainability topics into their curricula.
- Youth and Students are engaged in environmental projects and initiatives.
- All Sectors will improve collaboration and data sharing on environmental and sustainability issues.
- Future Earth Thailand is committed to engaging younger generations with perspectives and priorities for sustainability.
DATE
August 27, 2024AUTHOR
Future Earth Staff MemberSHARE WITH YOUR NETWORK
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