EGAT and ONEP conserve biodiversity to cope with climate change and reduce GHG emissions
EGAT and ONEP joined hands to drive sustainable management of biodiversity conservation in response to climate change, moving toward carbon neutrality by 2050.
On September 12, 2022, Mr. Boonyanit Wongrukmit, Governor of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and Dr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Secretary General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), entered into a Memorandum of Understanding regarding actions on climate change and biodiversity conservation of Thailand. On this occasion, Mrs. Sriwan Buranachokepisal, EGAT Assistant Governor – Power Plant Planning; Miss Jittinun Ruengverayudh, ONEP Director of Biodiversity Management Division; Director of Reginal Environment Office 6; Director of Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment Nonthaburi; and representatives from communities attended the ceremony held at the EGAT 50th Anniversary Building, EGAT Headquarters, Nonthaburi Province.
EGAT Governor stated that as EGAT places importance on the global environmental issues, it has continuously implemented actions to cope with climate change and biodiversity conservation. EGAT has launched strategies to achieve the goals of carbon neutrality within 2050 and net zero emissions within 2065, in line with the national goal. EGAT has also carried out the Plant Genetic Conservation Project Under the Royal Initiation of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in the areas around EGAT’s dams and power plants to conserve and revive natural resources, prevent biodiversity loss, and protect local resources. This collaboration between EGAT and ONEP will be a vital step in integrating academic knowledge, creating competent personnel for both organizations, and improving their operations to cope with climate change and biodiversity conservation in order to achieve the national goal. On the same day, EGAT organized the activity of Alexandrine parrot’s house which is an artificial nest installed by EGAT to increase the habitat, as well as the activity of tree planting in EGAT’s 50th Anniversary Park.
ONEP Secretary General said that ONEP accelerates the management of biodiversity and climate change at a national level, including setting a practice on biodiversity management to conserve endemic species, especially Nonthaburi Durian and Alexandrine parrot, unique identities of Nonthaburi Province. ONEP is pleased that EGAT conducts the conservation activities of Alexandrine parrot, the biggest parrot of Thailand and an endangered species found in the area near EGAT; Nonthaburi Durian; and the agricultural ecosystem existing among the transition of land usage due to the ongoing expansion of the economy and society in Nonthaburi.