Reporters:
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattapon Kaewthong
Asst. Prof. Chayanat Buathongkua
Asst. Prof. Tanakorn Inthasuth
Ms. Sayamon Buddhamongkol
Ms. Duanrung Chooyruang
Evidence Date:
Feb 28, 2023, March 30, 2023
Related SDGs:
Related Indicators:
13.4.1
Details:
Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) has organized various programs and activities to raise awareness about environmental conservation and carbon reduction. The university promotes broad community participation through sustainable natural resource use initiatives, encouraging communities to engage in projects that enhance knowledge and skills for climate change resilience.
1. Sustainable Tourism Waste Management
A key project in collaboration with Hat Chao Mai National Park involves managing waste from tourism, aiming to mitigate global warming. This project educates communities and tourists on sustainable waste management practices, such as waste separation and reducing harmful plastic waste that affects coastal and marine ecosystems. The project also raises local awareness of environmental conservation and promotes active community involvement in protecting natural resources.
2. Seagrass Ecosystem Restoration for Climate Change Adaptation
Another important project is the seagrass ecosystem restoration workshop conducted by the Faculty of Science and Fisheries Technology. Held at Ao Makham in Trang Province, this project educates youth, teachers, and staff from Benjamarachutit School in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. As a critical habitat and food source for marine species, including the endangered dugong, seagrass restoration plays a significant role in reducing climate change impacts and supporting local biodiversity. This project provides conservation knowledge and encourages community participation in the sustainable protection of natural resources.
3. Solar-Powered Drying for Community Product Processing
On February 7-8, 2023, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Trang Campus, through its Faculty of Engineering and Technology, initiated an innovative solution to aid the Satun Province Large Coconut Group in tackling the issue of unpredictable weather patterns affecting their coconut drying processes. Professor Sayamon Phuttamongkol and her team introduced the “Smart Drying Cabinet,” powered by renewable solar energy, providing a climate-resilient method for coconut product processing. This aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action, addressing issues related to the impacts of climate change on local agriculture. The traditional sun-drying method faced challenges due to the rainy climate of Satun, which led to inconsistent drying results, moisture retention, and product spoilage. The Smart Solar-Powered Drying Cabinet has transformed this process, ensuring consistent temperature control and adequate ventilation, making it possible to dry coconuts effectively, regardless of weather conditions.
Which can be summarized as the following benefits
1. Renewable Energy
Powered by solar panels, this technology significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with coconut drying, supporting a transition to a low-carbon economy. It offers a practical solution to reduce environmental impact and reliance on traditional energy sources.
2. Improved Product Quality
The smart drying cabinet ensures an even and controlled drying process, resulting in high-quality coconut products with a naturally sweet flavor and appealing texture. The controlled environment helps eliminate spoilage caused by excess moisture.
3. Climate Resilience
The technology functions effectively in all weather conditions, offering a sustainable solution for local farmers. It allows them to adapt to changing weather patterns, ensuring that their production is not disrupted by unpredictable rainfall or humidity.
4. Community Training and Empowerment
In addition to providing the technology, the university team also offered training on the operation and maintenance of the drying cabinet. This ensures long-term sustainability and empowers local farmers by equipping them with the skills to manage the technology independently.
4. Tree Planting for Natural Resource Sustainability
As part of its natural resource restoration efforts, RUTS conducted a tree-planting project in honor of Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday, fostering environmental responsibility. Tree planting helps absorb carbon and reduce atmospheric carbon effectively. The project involved university staff and students, creating sustainable green spaces that benefit the ecosystem in the long term.
5. Dugong Conservation and Marine Conservation Awareness
RUTS’s Institute of Natural Resources and Environment organized National Dugong Week, emphasizing dugong conservation, a symbol of marine biodiversity. This event included exhibitions on marine conservation and coastal resource protection, establishing networks with local agencies and communities to develop sustainable conservation plans and foster active community participation in tangible conservation efforts.
6. Sea Turtle Nursery and Release
RUTS’s Institute of Natural Resources and Environment at Trang Campus conducted a sea turtle nursery and release program to restore threatened sea turtle populations affected by human activities and climate change. By nurturing turtles to health before release, the program supports marine biodiversity conservation and raises community awareness of the importance of marine life conservation.
The various outreach and engagement activities conducted by RUTS not only promote environmental conservation and sustainable resource use but also focus on fostering continuous responsibility and participation within local communities. These initiatives support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
Related Links:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10EKdDd6_JWQWl99BILU5yfAhPPsYQ9_d
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sC5DGfWNE-VnWowX2u_ijQ3LQX6RAKiR
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/3UL97ohZjDdw46ut
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NDaJlWDK89rbp0s4pLNpC7k91GjihDZx
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FW0eRA_nRONX2f2bZyHypTwTZYLTDrU5
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DD_CzqS5NVTl3x9gCKifCv4FQNd2F55h
