IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Biodiversity loss is a significant threat to human well being and the health of ecosystems throughout the world. In Thailand, while much effort has been taken to mitigate biodiversity loss, there much to be done to halt the rate of loss. 2010 is the Year of biodiversity, and by all estimates much has to be done. In Thailand IUCN’s three members have agreed to collaborate and work together with the aim to promote the integration of biodiversity values into Natural Resource Management Practices in Thailand.  My working together to mainstream biodiversity issues among key stakeholders, IUCN members hope to support the reduction of biodiversity loss in Thailand by promoting practical guidance to key stakeholders.

To achieve these four objectives have been identified by the IUCN members. These are:  1. To assess the situation and management of biodiversity in Thailand, particularly in mountain, forest, urban, agricultural and inland waters ecosystems; 2. To disseminate and enhance public awareness on the importance of biodiversity and the underlying threats to biodiversity; 3. To build capacity on biodiversity management for select local administrative organizations within the IUCN members' network in order to support sustainable local development and; 4. To provide recommendations on good practices in the above mentioned ecosystems for a sustainable development of Thailand.

The key activities under each of the objectives are:

1.     Collect existing knowledge and conduct rapid assessments on the biodiversity situation including the national development policy analysis and provide resolutions in practical biodiversity management from primary and secondary sources of members resources

2.     Support awareness through mobile forums in seven locations that focus on addressing  significant issues where the members’ have technical expertise. Supporting information sharing through mobile exhibition (main overview exhibition and small exhibition by         region’ issues, photo exhibition etc.)

3.     Organize capacity building of local administrative organizations through  workshops, study trip etc. and support pilot projects in biodiversity management in 7 select local administrative organization’s where IUCN members operate. 

4.     *Conduct a National seminar to present the good practices in biodiversity management that are developed through a multi-stakeholder process and the networking conducted.

5.     *Support the production of awareness materials such as book, statement, press releases, factsheets etc.) for the general public and other key stakeholders.

Note*Activities no.4 and 5 will be implemented through co-financing.

October 2010 - October 2011

Seub Nakasithein Foundation, Thailand Environment Institute, Good Governance of Social Development and Environment Institute, and IUCN Thailand Programme.

The Mitsui & Co., Ltd Environment Fund

Radda Larpnun