On August 4, 2025, the Coordinating Center for the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiation of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG) at Khon Kaen University organized a seminar to exchange knowledge and best practices for developing local resource databases in alignment with the RSPG guidelines for the year 2025. The event, held at Ruen Napphalai, Rachawadee Resort and Hotel, Khon Kaen, was presided over by Mr. Phanthep Saokosol, Vice Governor of Khon Kaen Province, and featured a keynote address by Prof. Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability at KKU, along with a special lecture by Mr. Pornchai Jutamas, Deputy Director of the RSPG Project. The seminar brought together 110 participants, including executives and personnel from 37 local administrative organizations, three educational institutions, and other agencies under the Royal Initiative.
The seminar supports the implementation of the Royal Initiative on the Plant Genetic Conservation Project initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, aligning with Khon Kaen University’s strategic plan (2024–2027), particularly Strategic Issue 4: Academic Services for Societal Benefit. The project aims to create sustainable development by conserving and utilizing three critical resource bases—physical, biological, and cultural resources—while fostering human resource development and community engagement.
Prof. Thidarut expressed the university’s deep honor and commitment to serving the Royal Initiative since 1997, when KKU began conducting research and developing resource utilization in the Upper Northeastern region. In 2018, RSPG designated KKU as the Regional Coordinating Center, responsible for monitoring, supporting, and providing technical guidance for projects in the region. Today’s seminar reflects KKU’s mission to serve as a hub of knowledge and a center for education in the region. Activities included keynote lectures by RSPG executives and local representatives, an inspirational panel discussion with local organizations recognized for excellence under the Royal Initiative, and exhibitions showcasing successful school botanical garden projects and community resource base initiatives.
Mr. Phanthep Saokosol emphasized the province’s commitment to the Royal Initiative, highlighting integrated collaboration across sectors to achieve 100% participation of local administrative organizations and educational institutions in school botanical garden and local resource base projects by the end of 2025. A memorandum of cooperation has been signed among Khon Kaen Province, KKU’s RSPG Coordinating Center, and Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (Khon Kaen Campus) to jointly drive, promote, and support these efforts, ensuring effective implementation aligned with RSPG standards.
The seminar also featured presentations on topics such as “The Importance of Local Resource Base Development and Guidelines for Achieving RSPG Standards,” delivered by Mr. Pornchai Jutamas, and a discussion on strategies for local organizations to meet project standards. Case studies were shared on the environmental benefits of local resource management, including contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and PM2.5 dust levels.
Exhibitions showcased successful projects from organizations awarded the Royal Emblem, including Bua Ngoen Subdistrict Administrative Organization (Nam Phong District), Ban Kong Subdistrict Administrative Organization (Nong Ruea District), Kut That Subdistrict Administrative Organization (Nong Na Kham District), Na Nong Thum Subdistrict Administrative Organization (Chum Phae District), and Sri Sang Wan Khon Kaen School. Displays featured innovative uses of local resources, such as developing diverse rice-based products, creating heat-retaining sticky rice containers with aesthetic designs, and producing skincare products from traditional fruits.
The Local Resource Base Development Project for Upper Northeastern Communities, implemented in fiscal year 2025, is expected to establish a comprehensive resource database to support community development planning, enhance the capacity of local governments to utilize resources appropriately, and strengthen inter-agency collaboration for sustainable conservation and utilization.
News & Photos: Watchara Noichomphu
