Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Mahidol University aims to manage natural resources, such as forests, and to conserve biodiversity. Under the University’s ecological and sustainable development policy, the University has established the Sireerukhachati Nature Learning Park, which has been certified by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) as “the first internationally recognized botanical garden in Thailand”. It also received Museum Thailand Awards 2021 in the category of Museums on Science and an environment "Outstanding Conservation and Inheritance Award” for collecting over 900 species of rare and valuable medicinal plants. New species of plants have been discovered: • By Assistant Professor Dr Thamarat Phutthai from the Faculty of Environment and Resources - Chomphu Rajasirin (Begonia sirindhorniana Phutthai, Thanant, Srisom & Suddee) - Cha Ruesi Sai Yok (Paraboea fimbriata) - Datdararasmi (Begonia fulgurata) • By Assistant Professor Dr Thamarat Phutthai, Mr. Suphat Prasopsin, Kanchanaburi Campus - Dad Sangkhlaburi (Begonia exposita Phutthai & M.Hughes) • By a PhD student, Assistant Professor Dr.Thaya Jenjittikul, Faculty of Science - Dok Dinthaya (Kaempferia jenjittikuliae Noppornch) • By Professors Dr. Wongsatit Chuakul of the Faculty of Pharmacy - Yhakonklong (Scolophyllum ubonensis W. Chuakul & T. Yamaz.) - Samsibkeepnoi (Stemona hutanguriana W. Chuakul) - Tuanokkhaoyai (Clitoria chanondii W. Chuakul.) - Chik Dong (Barringtonia maunwongyathiae W. Chuakul) - Dook Kiew (Glytopetalum gracilipes Pierre var. nanum W. Chuakul.) This is a breakthrough in the conservation of biodiversity and serves as a learning center for the Thai people and students in applied traditional Thai medicine/pharmacy. It is also beneficial to the development of Thai herbal medicines and eco-tourism. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahidol University provides treatment for animals and education about animals; it consists of Prasu-arthon Hospital, the Livestock and Wildlife Hospital, and Mahidol University Clinic for Animal Lovers. In 2020, a total of 83,966 animals were treated. The National Wildlife Health Center was also established to monitor the epidemic in which 4,493 animal pathogen samples were collected and tested according to laboratory quality standards ISO15189:2012 and laboratory safety ISO15190:2003. As a result, the National Wildlife Health Center has reported the diagnostic results of these pathogen samples to the government, to be used in planning measures to prevent and control diseases in animals, zoonotic diseases, and other major diseases. Moreover, a MOU for technical cooperation was signed with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – National Wildlife Health Center in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Twinning program to develop the capacity to deal with emerging infectious diseases in a timely manner, where emerging diseases may affect the lives of animals in the future. This cooperation will develop better treatment guidelines to prevent further wildlife extinctions. The University has continuously taken practical measures to conserve natural resources. Kanchanaburi Campus constructed a containment dam to reduce the severity of water runoff, resulting in the return of wild animals, preservation of endemic animals, and the emergence of medicinal plants. The latter promise to be a new source of income for the local community. Nakhon Sawan campus oversees the Bueng Boraphet wetland - the largest freshwater resource in Thailand – and is building partnerships with communities to use water and manage forests effectively. Amnat Charoen campus manages community forests as a guideline for forest preservation and development, and is exploring the area for a variety of resources. These, and similar measures, result in our learning how to live in balance with nature, and have a better quality of life while contributing to the sustainable fertility of terrestrial ecosystems.
