On 5 November 2025, the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn – Walailak University Coordination Center (RSPG–WU) participated in the 12th Academic Conference and Exhibition, “Thai Resources: Revisiting Our Wealth and Heritage”, held at the Chaloem Phrakiat Sports Center, Maejo University, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province.

The RSPG–WU delegation was led by Associate Professor Dr. Chatchai Kalyanapanon, Acting Director of Walailak Botanic Park, who joined representatives from RSPG participating organizations nationwide in attending a series of special lectures highlighting the value of Thailand’s resources and the future direction of conservation efforts under the RSPG framework.

The program began with a presentation by Associate Professor Dr. Weerapon Thongma, President of Maejo University, who provided an overview of Maejo University’s implementation of activities in support of the Royal Initiative under RSPG. His presentation highlighted three decades of collaboration dedicated to the conservation, study, and sustainable utilization of Thailand’s natural resources.

The conference then featured a special lecture by Mr. Pornchai Juthamas, Deputy Director of RSPG, entitled “Thai Resources: Revisiting Our Wealth and Heritage.” The lecture encouraged participants to recognize and reconsider the value and potential of local resources, covering not only biological resources, but also physical resources, cultural heritage, and traditional knowledge.

The session emphasized that Thailand’s resources extend beyond plants and animals. They also encompass landscapes, ecosystems, community knowledge, traditions, cultural practices, and other forms of local heritage that have been accumulated and passed down through generations. Understanding these resources systematically is therefore essential to their conservation and appropriate use.

This was followed by a lecture from Dr. Piyarat Prinya Phongcharoen Sap, Assistant Director of RSPG and Secretary to the RSPG Committee, on “Operational Guidelines for Organizations Participating in the Royal Initiative toward the Eighth Five-Year RSPG Master Plan.”

The presentation outlined future directions for participating organizations, with particular emphasis on strengthening coordination among RSPG networks, systematically managing resource information, and connecting conservation activities with sustainable utilization and development.

The conference also provided an important national platform for participating organizations to exchange experiences, lessons learned, implementation approaches, and examples of good practice. Such exchanges are expected to help strengthen institutional capacity and enhance coordination among universities, government agencies, local organizations, schools, and other RSPG partners.

Participation in the event enabled the RSPG–Walailak University Coordination Center to gain updated perspectives on national RSPG directions and apply relevant knowledge to its future work in research, academic services, School Botanical Garden activities, local resource databases, and resource conservation networks.

The event reinforced the shared commitment of participating organizations to advance the conservation of Thailand’s resources through systematic knowledge development, collaboration, and responsible utilization, ensuring that the country’s biological, physical, cultural, and intellectual heritage can continue to benefit communities and future generations in a balanced and sustainable manner.