PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN, Thailand – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is holding the National Community Forest Day 2025 event in Prachuap Khiri Khan province to advance Thailand’s efforts in aligning community forest management with national climate and sustainability goals. Running from May 30 to 31 at Pattawia Resort and Spa in Pran Buri district, the event supports the country’s targets to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.
Minister Chalermchai Sri-on presided over the opening ceremony, presenting plaques to agencies and outstanding community forest groups for their contributions to forest conservation. He also met with representatives from forest networks across the country, whose growing involvement in local stewardship helps deepen the partnership between communities and the state in the management and protection of natural resources.
According to Chalermchai, the Ministry regards community forests as key to both environmental protection and rural development. These forests provide essential resources such as food, water, and medicinal plants, and support income generation through ecotourism. They also help absorb carbon dioxide, contributing directly to national climate goals.
Organized by the Royal Forest Department, the event features hands-on conservation activities including tree planting, forest maintenance, dam construction, firebreak creation, and patrolling. The efforts also support royal conservation projects and encourage community participation in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems.
A panel discussion titled “Collaborative Support for Community Forest Work Toward a Low-Carbon Society: The Saraburi Sandbox” features experts from the government, private sector, and local forest communities. Exhibitions are also held to highlight the monarchy’s role in forest development, the Community Forest Act, and forest-based products, showing how sustainable use supports both conservation and local economies. (NNT)
