Bangkok: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is actively promoting the "Forests and Economies" concept to enhance carbon credits within the forestry sector.
According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Forest Department organized activities for International Forestry Day 2026 under the theme 'Forests and Economies.' The event highlighted the significant role of forests as a driving force for a green economy, focusing on conservation and sustainable development. The initiative aims to increase forest areas, restore ecosystems, and promote forest carbon credits to support Thailand's Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero objectives.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Nanthachart Suphamongkol, Advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, inaugurated the International Forestry Day at Lumpini Park. He emphasized that forests are not only environmental resources but also critical for economic foundations, promoting employment, income generation, and ecotourism. This aligns with the policy of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, who advocates for the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) model to enhance the value of biological resources while maintaining sustainable conservation.
Strict enforcement of forestry laws is being emphasized under the "Returning Forests to the Nation" policy. All agencies are instructed to exercise their authority without fear of external influence, ensuring immediate prosecution for any encroachment found, while maintaining justice for the public and systematically managing areas to preserve resources long-term.
Mr. Nikorn Sirirojananont, Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, noted that the United Nations designates March 21st each year as International Forestry Day to increase awareness of forest resources' value. This year's theme, "Forests and Economies," aligns with Thailand's strategy to use forest resources as a foundation for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening the economy from community to national levels.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to increasing green areas and promoting carbon credit mechanisms from the forestry sector to support carbon neutrality and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the future.
Mr. Nikorn also highlighted the Royal Forest Department's achievements, such as upgrading agricultural land management under the National Land Management Committee (NLMC) project to GAP standards, facilitating export development, and improving forest plantation laws by expanding the economic timber species list to encourage legal planting.
The event featured various activities and exhibitions, including presentations on carbon credits in community forests and the distribution of high-quality saplings for public planting to help increase green areas.
This year's International Forestry Day event not only aims to raise awareness but also reinforce the role of forests as a crucial foundation for environmental and economic progress. Collaboration from all sectors is essential for the care, restoration, and balanced utilization of forests, driving Thailand towards sustainable development on a global scale.