Session 2: Peace for Nature: Restoring Balance, Sustainability, and Bridging Disparities
During this session, the primary focus will be on the crucial need to reestablish equilibrium and sustainability in the human-nature connection. Furthermore, the session will tackle the urgent concern of inequality, recognizing that resources and opportunities for meaningful and sustainable interaction with the natural world are not equally available to all individuals. Through a collective effort to comprehend and address these disparities, we can progress towards achieving a more equitable and harmonious coexistence with the environment. Read More!
Moderator:
Prof.Dr. Mokbul Morshed Ahmad,
Professor in Development Planning Management and Innovation, School of Environment,
Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Speakers:
Important points:
- Environmental conservation should follow four key principles: sustainable development, inclusivity, resilience, and respect for human rights.
- Community-based natural resource management can be an effective approach, but it's not a universal solution for all contexts.
- Payment for ecosystem services is an economic tool that can engage more people in environmental conservation.
- Successful community-based resource management relies on four factors: leadership, fair distribution of costs and benefits, mutual monitoring, and credible commitment.
1. Asst. Prof. Chol Bunnag,
Director of SDG Move and Assistant Professor at Faculty of Economics, Thammasat University
Important points:
- Natural resources, particularly oceans and forests, are crucial for local communities' livelihoods and well-being.
- Climate change and environmental degradation are disproportionately affecting local communities with low carbon footprints.
- Environmental education is key to addressing these issues and should be implemented at policy levels in both public and private sectors.
- There's a growing disparity between the rich and poor in terms of environmental impacts and the ability to adapt to changes.
2. Mr. Alexander Simon Rendell,
Co-Founder and CEO of the Environmental Education Center Thailand
Important points:
- Tree planting can be a catalyst for social and economic progress, providing jobs and resources for communities.
- Eco-mature uses technology to connect corporations with tree-planting initiatives, allowing companies to integrate sustainability into their business practices.
- The platform offers interactive features like 3D tree visualization and chatbots, promoting mental and spiritual wellness by connecting people with nature.
- Partnerships with local foundations and NGOs empower communities to take ownership of their natural resources, fostering social cohesion and sustainable development.
3. Mr. Bas Fransen,
CEO of EcoMatcher, Hong Kong
Important points:
- Thailand contributes only 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions but is among the top 10 countries most affected by climate change.
- Climate change is impacting agriculture, tourism, and weather patterns in Thailand, threatening food security and economic stability.
- The gap between rich and poor is widening due to climate change, as the wealthy can better adapt while the poor are more vulnerable.
- Financial tools and economic strategies are crucial for adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change in Thailand.
4. Dr. Poonperm Vardhanabindu,
Regional Sustainability Manager for Southeast Asia, Bureau Verita