The projects make use of scientific and technological methods in conducting studies, research and experimentation. Simple and easy-to- understand demonstrations are prepared for individual farmers and other interested members of the public. RSPG Foundation In 1992, Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn founded the Plant Genetic Conservation Project, which seeks to encourage Thai people, especially the villagers and students, to be aware of the values of native plant species and conserve them for the future. In 2008, HRH the Princess established the Plant Genetic Conservation (RSPG) Foundation to extend and expand the Plant Genetic Conservation Project activities and utilize the conserved plant genetic materials in more meaningful ways. The RSPG Foundation has joined hands with government offices, universities, non-government organizations, and local companies to better assist the villagers around Thailand in identifying, selecting, propagating and conserving the native plant species as the germplasm banks in most of the villages and schools and some government agencies’ offices. Some of these native plant species have been used for medicinal purposes, food, beverages and industrial use. EGAT Supports the Plant Genetic Conservation Project One firm supporter of the Plant Genetic Conservation Project is the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), a state enterprise that owns and manages the majority of Thailand’s electricity generation capacity, as well as the nation’s transmission network. It is managed by Thailand’s Ministry of Energy. Since May 2005, EGAT has been working to conserve plant genetic resources in all floristic regions and nearby dams in Thailand under the RSPG-EGAT Project (Plant Genetic Conservation Project Under The Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Responded by Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand). The conservation initiative is implemented in 12 areas covering 35.3280 km2. These are Bhumibol Dam, Sirikit Dam, Srinakarin Dam, Vachiralongkorn Dam, Ratchaprapa Dam, Bang Lang Dam, Ubonrat Dam, Sirindhorn Dam, Chulabhorn Dam, Nam Pung Dam, Huay Kum Dam, and Lam Takong Chonlapawattana Hydro Power Plant. The three main activities under RSPG-EGAT are protection of plant genetic resources, planting and preservation of plant genetic resources, and special activities in support of plant genetic conservation. The ultimate goal of RSPG-EGAT is to train key personnel who will maintain plant genetic resources in support of farmers and Thailand’s business sector. Its objectives are to promote a greater understanding of plant genetic conservation among personnel and organizations, and to introduce volunteers and companies to plant genetic conservation; to build links among various organizations including government agencies and the private sector; and to create a plant genetics database system that can be shared throughout the country. Protecting Plant Genetic Resources EGAT has allocated 11 dams covering an area of 33.7344 km2 (Figure 1) for its effort to preserve original plant genetic resources. These plant genetic protection areas will be used to study plant genetic resources and to help maintain a valuable natural resource for future use. Figure 1. An image of 11 areas of RSPG-EGAT project. Through the project, 78 people consisting of EGAT officers, RSPG researchers from Naresuan University in Payao and Pissanulok provinces, and local researchers explored the physical and biological natural resources in Sirikit Dam, ENCOURAGING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BUSINESS AND COMMUNITIES FOR BIODIVERSITY 45
In Celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 84th Birthday Anniversary
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