Policy and Operation
Title:
Reporters: Asst.Prof.Dr. Prapot Maliwan
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Pornsil Seephueak
Asst.Prof.Dr. Nion Chirapongsathonkul
Asst.Prof.Dr. Worawitoo Meesook
Evidence Date: during 2024 Jan-Dec
Related SDGs:
Related Indicators: 15.3.3
Details:
In alignment with the policy on terrestrial biodiversity conservation, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) and Thung Song Municipality have strengthened their collaboration through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership focuses on integrating biodiversity preservation into city development strategies to promote sustainable urban growth. Under this MOU, faculty members from the Faculty of Science and Technology serve as scientific advisors, providing expertise in sustainable land use, forest management, and ecological restoration. Together, they aim to create a model city that harmonizes urban development with the protection of natural habitats. The collaboration also emphasizes the importance of education, encouraging community members to participate in local conservation programs. Workshops and training sessions are organized for students, teachers, and municipal officers to enhance their understanding of ecosystem balance and the value of native species. Through these joint efforts, Thung Song becomes a living laboratory for sustainability. The policy framework provides both guidance and momentum for translating environmental commitments into measurable conservation outcomes. Ultimately, this initiative demonstrates how academic knowledge and local governance can unite to achieve long-term ecological resilience.
As a direct result of the MOU established last year, joint research projects on terrestrial biodiversity were initiated across the Thung Song area. These studies focus on documenting and monitoring various groups of organisms, including tree flora, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, and bird fauna. The research team, consisting of university scientists, local officers, and community volunteers, has surveyed the forested limestone hills and green spaces surrounding the city. Preliminary findings revealed several species of conservation concern, highlighting the ecological richness of the Thung Song landscape. The presence of rare butterflies and protected reptiles underscores the importance of maintaining native vegetation and minimizing habitat fragmentation. Students were actively involved in the field surveys, gaining hands-on experience in biodiversity monitoring techniques such as transect walks, pitfall traps, and point counts. This practical engagement promotes environmental literacy and encourages youth participation in conservation work. The research outcomes are shared with the community through local exhibitions and reports, ensuring that the data collected directly benefits both science and society. These activities reflect the university’s role as a catalyst for applied environmental research aligned with policy goals.
The Thung Song Terrestrial Biodiversity Conservation Project represents a successful translation of policy into tangible action. Through this partnership, conservation is no longer viewed as a separate activity but as an integral component of city planning and community well-being. The collaboration has inspired local residents to take pride in their natural heritage and contribute to ecosystem restoration efforts. Green corridors, tree planting campaigns, and biodiversity-friendly landscaping have been introduced around schools, temples, and public parks. These actions not only improve the city’s environmental quality but also enhance its cultural and recreational value. The project’s inclusive approach demonstrates that effective conservation depends on cooperation between scientists, citizens, and policymakers. By linking research, education, and management, RUTS and Thung Song Municipality set a precedent for sustainable urban biodiversity conservation in southern Thailand. This initiative stands as a model for how universities can lead local governments toward a future that values nature as the foundation of development. Through policy-driven collaboration, Thung Song continues to move toward becoming a green city grounded in biodiversity and community participation.
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