68 Monitori ng, docume ntation, pr otection, and edu cation RCE Cha-am: Biodiversity and Education for Sustainable Development Areeporn Sittiyanpaiboon Sonjai Havanond Mario T. Tabucanon RCE Cha-am RCE Cha-am was acknowledged by United Nations University on 28 March, 2008. As the coordinating body, the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park (SIEP), located in Rama VI Camp, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province of Thailand, is the headquarter for the RCE. The network is comprised of educational institutions, royal projects in Phetchaburi Province (e.g. Huay Sai Royal Development Study Center; Hupkrapong Royal Project; Somdej Phra Srinagarindra Park; Leam Phak Bia Environmental Study Research and Development Project Under Royal Initiatives, Phetchaburi Province), governmental agencies (e.g. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Energy), local administration, NGOs, local communities, private companies, public enterprises, and other organisations from within Thailand. Foreign and international organisations are also involved, such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), and the Foundation for Global Peace and Environment (FGPE), Japan, among others. They provide support in terms of collaboration, funding, human resources, knowledge exchange, and ideas for the development of future plans. Challenges and Activities RCE Cha-am covers two important provinces of south-west coastal Thailand - Phetchaburi Province and Prachuap Khirikhan Province. Both provinces are closely linked to the history of modern Thailand and to the Chakri Dynasty, with several royal palaces and residences located within their geographic boundaries. Moreover, both provinces share common coastal and terrestrial ecosystems that contain some of Thailand’s highest biodiversity reserves and most intact forests and coastal habitats. The key regional sustainable development challenges faced by the two provinces include economic challenges (e.g. eco-tourism, fisheries, agriculture, increasing indebtedness of poor), environmental challenges (e.g. restoration of mangrove ecosystem, soil erosion, coastal erosion, deforestation, green energy, soil and water management), as well as social challenges (e.g. lack of understanding of sustainability and of social issues affecting communities). Major education for sustainable development (ESD) activities of the RCE include: energy, environmental and natural resources conservation (e.g. restoration of mangrove ecosystem, soil erosion and coastal erosion protection, deforestation, soil & water management, green energy); eco-tourism; fisheries and agriculture; community uniqueness and indigenous knowledge; and creating a general understanding of sustainability by following the “Sufficiency Economy Philosophy” of His Majesty King Bhumibol. All the ESD activities undertaken are translated into public actions by following the “Sufficiency Economy Philosophy”. These activities will help lead to the sustainable development of the region in the future, including a green economy, green society, sustainable livelihoods, and sustainable use of ecosystems, among others. Biodiversity and ESD Initiatives Decades ago, the region where SIEP is situated was degraded as a result of the irresponsible intrusion of the public for economic and agricultural purposes. The original serene and fertile natural resources and environment were destroyed. The royal initiative to rehabilitate and restore the natural environment of the region was the main motive behind the establishment of SIEP. The strategy was to not only achieve the restoration and rehabilitation goal but also to use SIEP as a learning facility for the general public, local communities and schools. Biodiversity and ESD initiatives are important integrated parts of the overarching goal of SIEP. Additionally, the role of the RCE is a tremendous contribution mobilising a host of stakeholders, each making contributions based on their mandates and capacities. 9
Traditional Knowledge and Biodiversity
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