Reporter: Dr Lamun Kayurin
Evidence date: January -December 2024
Related to: 
Indicator relate to : 17.2, 17.2.2
Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) has initiated and participated in cross-sectoral dialogue about the SDGs as follows:
1. RUTS APST Project Strengthens Education and Conservation under Royal Patronage
In 2024, the RUTS- Andaman Southern Coordination Centre (APST-RUTS) did participated and welcomed Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on 29th November 2024. Professor Dr. Suwat Thanyaros, President of Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), assigned Associate Professor Dr. Laksamee Witya, Deputy Director of the Research and Development Institute, together with project staff from the APST-RUTS Coordination Center, to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn during the opening of the 8th Regional Academic Conference and Exhibition on School Botanical Gardens and Local Resource Bases, held at the Plant Genetic Conservation Center under the Royal Initiative, Suranaree University of Technology, Khlong Phai Subdistrict, Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. During the event, the university presented royal plaques and certificates to 25 school botanical garden members and 11 local resource base members who successfully met the evaluation standards. In addition, the Mai Khao Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Phuket province, under the supervision of APST-RUTS did receive the Royal Plaque of the Royal initiative award. This marks the first local administrative organization in Phuket to achieve the standard for the APST project Royal plaque evaluation.. Mr. Morakot Watcharamusik, Royal Household Officer Level 7 of the Plant Genetic Conservation Project, also joined the ceremony to congratulate the team and visit the exhibition booths. Furthermore, the APST-RUTS Coordination Center for the Andaman Southern Region facilitated participation of its school botanical garden members at three exhibition booths: Chalermprakiet School, Phuket; Sawat Rattanapimuk School, Trang, and Ban Thung Sala, Trang. In conclusion, the APST-RUTS project directly contributes to multiple SDGs including SDG 4: Quality Education that support school botanical gardens, students gain experiential learning in plant conservation and sustainable agriculture. SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities that empowers local administrative organisations strengthens community engagement and resource. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production that promotes sustainable use of local plant resources. SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land that focuses on conservation of plant genetic resource to help maintain biodiversity and resilience against environmental changes. In conclusion, this project demonstrates a strong integration of education, community development, and environmental stewardship aligned with Thailand’s national strategy on sustain development.
Related to link:
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1751848605609573&set=pcb.1751850965609337
2. RUTS participated in the 8th Regional Academic Conference and Exhibition on School Botanical Gardens and Local Resource Bases, 2024
In 2024, RUTS did participated in the 8th Reginal Academic Conference and exhibition on School Botanical Gardens and Local Resource Bases. Associate Professor Dr. Laksamee Wittaya, Deputy Director of the Research and Development Institute, together with the project team from the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG) at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), participated in the 8th Regional Academic Conference and Exhibition on School Botanical Gardens and Local Resource Bases from November 30 to December 4, 2024. The event was held at the Plant Genetic Conservation Center, Suranaree University of Technology, Khlong Phai Subdistrict, Sikhiu District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The RUTS exhibition booth showcased the outcomes of the university’s RSPG Coordination Center and research works under the RSPG–RMUTSV initiative. A highlight of the exhibition was the innovative “Soursop Snack Bar”, a nutritious and delicious local product developed by Asst. Prof. Saowanee Chaiphet. This product transforms soursop, a rare southern fruit, into a creative, value-added snack. Visitors had the opportunity to taste the product and engage in interactive activities, including a quiz and prize giveaways, which drew strong interest and participation throughout the event. Furthermore, the RUTS Coordination Center supported and encouraged student members of the School Botanical Gardens Program under its supervision. Three student research projects were presented, including:“Air Filter Sheet Made from Purple Acanthus (Acanthus ilicifolius) Leaf Fibers” – Chalermphrakiat Somdet Phra Srinagarindra School, Phuket Province.“Kongsawas Bead Patterns Derived from Kongsawan Leaf Tissue (Zea mays L.)” – Sawat Rattanaphimuk School, Trang Province.“Smart Irrigation System Based on the Wrapping and Spreading Behavior of Kongsawan Leaves (Zea mays L.)” – Sawat Rattanaphimuk School, Trang Province. In addition, students from Sawat Rattanaphimuk School performed a traditional southern dance, “Sawat Rattana Nora Thin Tai”, promoting the cultural identity and heritage of southern Thailand. In conclusion, the participation of RUTS in this regional academic and exhibition event aligns strongly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education that focuses on the promotion of experiential and research-based learning among school students, enhancing environmental awareness and scientific skills. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production which focuses on developing sustainable local products such as the Soursop Snack Bar, encouraging value-added use of regional biodiversity. SDG 13: Climate Action that focuses on research on natural air filters and eco-innovation projects that contribute to cleaner environments and resource efficiency. SDG 15: Life on Land focusing on conserving and utilizing local plant species within the School Botanical Gardens framework, in line with the RSPG mission to protect Thailand’s biodiversity. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals that focuses on strengthening collaboration between RMUTSV, schools, and national networks to advance education, conservation, and community development. Furthermore, this initiative exemplifies RUTS’s commitment to integrating education, research, and community engagement in promoting sustainability, local wisdom, and biodiversity conservation in alignment with the Royal Initiative and the global SDG agenda.
Related to link
