Permanent Secretary of MNRE Opens Thailand Nature Positive Forum 2026, Highlighting Business Sector’s Role in Driving Thailand toward a Nature-Positive Future and Mobilizing all Sectors to Carry forward the Royal Legacy of the “Mother of Biodiversity”
On August 10, 2026, at 9:40 a.m., Mr. Suchat Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), assigned Dr. Raweewan Bhuridej, Permanent Secretary of the MNRE, to preside over the opening ceremony of the “Thailand Nature Positive Forum 2026: Driving the Business Sector Toward a Nature-Positive Future.” Certificates of recognition were also presented to 14 public- and private sectors that have played significant roles in advancing Nature Positive initiatives, with the aim of recognizing exemplary efforts and encouraging broader participation in the conservation and restoration of natural resources. Ms. Patranant Thongprapan, Advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, joined executives and representatives from government agencies, businesses, international organizations, and other relevant sectors at Vishnu Hall, 3rd Floor, Asawin Grand Convention Hotel, Bangkok.
Dr. Raweewan addressed that the world was currently confronting a “Triple Planetary Crisis” encompassing climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. As these crises are interconnected and mutually reinforcing, they require integrated solutions. The “Nature Positive” concept goes beyond halting nature loss by seeking to restore and enhance biodiversity and ecosystems, supported by clear and credible indicators to monitor progress, build confidence, and facilitate access to domestic and international financing. Thailand has continuously pursued biodiversity conservation under international cooperation frameworks. At the same time, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has prioritized forest expansion and restoration, a key policy introduced by the MNRE Minister Mr. Suchat. The policy focuses on restoring areas that have been unlawfully utilized while protecting ecosystems and wildlife habitats, ensuring that forests remain healthy and serve as an essential foundation for biodiversity. The Ministry is also developing mechanisms to access international funding under the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), particularly GEF-9, to strengthen the implementation of environmental and biodiversity projects and deliver tangible results. It is also promoting cooperation with business and private sectors to link natural resource conservation with economic development and income generation for local communities.
“Biodiversity initiatives cannot be driven by the government alone. Cooperation from all sectors—including government, businesses, the public, and academia—is essential to jointly develop models that enable people and nature to coexist in balance,” Dr. Raweewan said.
Thailand’s efforts to move toward a nature-positive future are also aligned with the royal commitment to natural resource and biodiversity conservation demonstrated by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, whose immeasurable contributions to the conservation of forests, wildlife, plant species, and ecosystems earned her the royal title “Mother of Biodiversity.” This legacy remains an important guiding principle that the MNRE seeks to carry forward and build upon through concrete action. On this occasion, the Ministry invited the public to attend the 18th "Colors of the Flora in Honor of the Queen" event from August 8–13, 2026, at Queen Sirikit Park, Chatuchak District, Bangkok. The event serves as another important platform for publicizing royal initiatives in natural resource and environmental conservation and promoting greater understanding of the value of biodiversity. On August 11, 2026, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will graciously preside over the opening ceremony. This event represents another mechanism for encouraging participation among people of all ages, particularly children and young people, by raising awareness of the value of nature and biodiversity and encouraging them to become an important force in conserving, restoring, and safeguarding the country’s natural resources. These efforts aim to foster a balance among economic development, society, and the environment and jointly move Thailand toward a sustainable “nature-positive future.”