UNDP Thailand and Krungthai Bank Advocate for Sustainable Finance in Support of Nature During Phetchaburi Visit

ค้นหาบทความ / Article Search

The Royal Automobile Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage

Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (Thailand)

สำนักงานมาตรฐานสินค้าเกษตรและอาหารแห่งชาติ

UNDP Thailand and Krungthai Bank Advocate for Sustainable Finance in Support of Nature During Phetchaburi Visit

UNDP Thailand and Krungthai Bank Advocate for Sustainable Finance in Support of Nature During Phetchaburi Visit

Phetchaburi Province, Thailand – Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), along with Niamh Collier-Smith, UNDP Resident Representative in Thailand, and UNDP specialists, recently visited Phetchaburi Province. They were joined by a delegation from Krungthai Bank, led by Krit Chamapisit, Head of Communication and Branding Group. This visit aimed to enhance biodiversity and restore mangrove forests in Phetchaburi, a crucial area for sustainable development.

During the visit, Niamh Collier-Smith and Police Lieutenant Popjanok Jalanugraha, Governor of Phetchaburi Province, signed a significant Letter of Intent to support biodiversity through the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN). This collaboration marks a vital step in translating sustainable development goals into actionable initiatives at the community level, addressing climate change, mitigating biodiversity loss, and promoting gender equality.

The delegation explored community-based tourism at Baan Tham Rong Community, where they experienced the local culture centered around iconic toddy palm trees. They enjoyed exquisite dishes prepared by "Chef Pruek," Thailand’s Iron Chef, as part of Krungthai Bank’s "Local Chef" project. This initiative aims to elevate local cuisine, reduce food miles, and generate income through cultural tourism, fostering a circular economy and encouraging environmental conservation.

A highlight of the visit was at Pak Thale Sub-district, a vital salt farming community and seasonal sanctuary for migratory birds, including the endangered Spoon-Billed Sandpiper, which migrates to Thailand from November to February. To promote ecotourism, salt farm areas have been developed as habitats for various bird species. The Pak Thale Subdistrict Administrative Organization, in collaboration with community leaders, established the Pak Thale Ecotourism Information Center, supported by UNDP-BIOFIN, Krungthai Bank, Raks Thai Foundation, and the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand. This center serves as an educational hub, raising awareness about migratory bird conservation and the importance of living in harmony with nature.

Recognizing the critical role of partnerships in biodiversity conservation, Krungthai Bank has expanded its collaboration with UNDP and Raks Thai Foundation through the "Public & Private Partnership for Investment in Sustainable Local Bioeconomy in Phetchaburi Province." With financial support from the Krungthai Loves Phetchaburi Project, UNDP and Raks Thai Foundation are providing technical assistance to develop community-based social enterprises. This initiative focuses on enhancing local livelihoods and restoring the environment sustainably, aligning with Krungthai Bank’s vision of “Growing Together for Sustainability.”

This partnership underscores the commitment of both organizations to empower local communities and promote coexistence with nature, fostering a sustainable future for all.