Focusing on ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,’ the event aims to strengthen community capacity and sustainable resource management in the Northeast.
On Monday, 2 February 2026, the Khon Kaen University (KKU) Faculty of Law, in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change and Environment, the Human Rights and Environment Promotion Association, the Environmental Science Programme of the Faculty of Science at Udon Thani Rajabhat University, and the Northeastern Natural Resources and Environment Network, successfully hosted an academic seminar on wetlands. This event was held to commemorate World Wetlands Day 2026 under the theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.”
Assistant Professor Natsamol Tanakulrungsarit, Assistant Dean for Educational Strategy, Research, and Lifelong Learning at the KKU Faculty of Law, delivered the welcoming address to the participants. The event was officially opened by Ms. Uma Srisuk, Director of the Division of Promoting Participation in Climate Change and Environment.
The seminar was organised under the project “Law for Sustainable Society: Academic Service and Research to Enhance Community Potential and Justice Innovation.” Its primary objectives were to exchange information regarding the current situation of managing Pa bung–Pa thām river floodplain forests in the Northeast, and to foster academic and legal data collaboration. This exchange aims to support the development of effective guidelines for water resource management and climate change adaptation. The event attracted 80 participants, including representatives from natural resources and environmental networks, non-governmental organisations, community groups, academics, government agencies, and youth organisations.
The morning session featured a panel discussion on the topic, “Pa bung–Pa thām, the Northeastern River Basin Ecosystem, and Wetlands Law.” Speakers included Associate Professor Prasit Khunurat, Mr. Hanarong Yaowalerd, Lecturer Kanyarat Kodphukheaw, Lecturer Santiparb Siriwattanaipaiboon, Mr. Wisut Ukhong, Mr. Butsakorn Khantiteerathawee, and Mr. Nipon Mulmuangsaen. The discussion, moderated by Lecturer Thakoon Sorawongsiri, focused on the ecological dimension of wetlands, cultural aspects, legal constraints, and water management approaches to address climate change.
In the afternoon, participants joined a sub-group activity titled “Community Reflections and Guidelines for Protecting Pa bung–Pa thām, the Wetlands of the Northeast.”
More than ten community wetland networks from across the Northeast took part, facilitated by Lecturer Suvit Kulabwong, Lecturer Apanpan Wiset, and Lecturer Kanyarat Kodphukheaw.
This session generated valuable insights into local wetland challenges, community-based management practices, and policy proposals to strengthen participatory wetland governance. The outcomes provide a foundation for enhanced collaboration among communities, government agencies, and academic institutions to ensure the sustainable protection and restoration of wetlands.
The organisation of this academic seminar underscores the role of the Khon Kaen University Faculty of Law in integrating legal knowledge, research, and academic service with partner networks and communities. This institutional commitment supports sustainable wetland management, strengthens natural resources and environmental networks, and drives the use of legal mechanisms as a fundamental tool for ecosystem protection and balanced societal development.
