มหาวิทยาลัยมหิดล การพัฒนาที่ยั่งยืน, SDG Mahidol, SDG

SDG 15 : LIFE ON LAND

Mahidol University is committed to ecological stewardship and sustainable development through the responsible management of natural resources, forest conservation, and biodiversity protection. Central to this mission is the Sirirukchata Natural History Park, recognized by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) as Thailand’s first international-standard botanical garden and winner of the Museum Thailand Awards 2021 for outstanding conservation. The park houses over 900 species of rare and valuable medicinal plants and has contributed to the discovery of several new plant species, advancing biodiversity research and supporting Thai traditional medicine education and eco-tourism.

In animal conservation, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine—through facilities such as Prasuathorn Animal Hospital, Pasupalan Livestock and Wildlife Hospital, and the Mahidol Animal Lovers Clinic—treated nearly 84,000 animals in 2020 and established the National Wildlife Health Center to monitor diseases and prevent zoonotic outbreaks in collaboration with the USGS National Wildlife Health Center under the OIE Twinning Program. Across its campuses, Mahidol University implements hands-on conservation initiatives: Kanchanaburi Campus restores ecosystems through check dam construction and wildlife revival projects; Nakhon Sawan Campus manages the Bueng Boraphet wetlands to promote sustainable water and forest use; and Amnat Charoen Campus oversees community forests to foster biodiversity and community-based conservation. Together, these initiatives reflect Mahidol University’s leadership in promoting sustainability, ecological balance, and the long-term wellbeing of people and nature.

15.2 Supporting land ecosystems through education

15.2.1 Events about sustainable use of land

Mahidol University actively supports and organises events aimed to promote conservation and sustainable utilisation of the land, including forests and wild land, through various initiatives.

Check Dam Volunteer Activity, Kanchanaburi Campus

Direct Conservation Action and Events for Sustainable Land Use Mahidol University Kanchanaburi Campus implements the "Check Dam Project," a long-term initiative that directly promotes the conservation and sustainable utilisation of the land. The project addresses severe soil erosion and moisture loss in the campus's foothill forests.

This project focuses on organising events to create tangible participation in conservation. A permanent "Royal Initiative Check Dam Learning Station" was established as an educational event space, open to the public free of charge, to promote knowledge of soil and water conservation.

Furthermore, the campus regularly organizes large-scale volunteer events. For example, the "Volunteer Activity: Building 92 Check Dams for the 92nd Royal Birthday" (August 2024) involved over 500 participants in building dams (totaling 427 dams to date). These events directly impact ecosystem restoration. Research confirms the project slows water velocity, leading to increased topsoil accumulation (land conservation) and soil moisture. This, in turn, facilitates the recovery of wild land and biodiversity, evidenced by the increase in plant species, soil invertebrates, and the return of rare protected wildlife, indicating a restored and healthy ecosystem.

Power Green Camp

Youth Outreach and Education Events The Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies collaborates with the private sector to organize the "Power Green Camp," an environmental science youth camp, to build youth environmental leaders. Since its inception, the program has had a total of 1,159 participants. The 19th camp (2024) was themed “Urban Rewilding” , aiming to inspire the conservation of forests and natural resources, build an understanding of biodiversity, and promote systematic conservation and restoration of forest resources, especially in urban and community forests.

Camp	Theme	Participants
19	“Urban Rewilding” Connecting all lives to nature	50
18	Waste Warriors: Green Cloud – Green Tech – Green Influencer	50
17	Climate Change, We Must Change	50
16	ECO Living & Learning (Adapting to a Green Lifestyle for the New Normal)	40
15	Jungle Rumble	15
14	“Youth Power vs. Global Warming, Protecting Biodiversity”	70
13	Biodiversity Management and Creative Economic Value Added	69
12	“Balancing Economy, Society, and Biodiversity Sustainably in the Thailand 4.0 Era”	69
11	"Biodiversity Management and Sustainable Conservation of World Heritage Sites"	69
10	Biodiversity for Sustainable Environmental and Quality of Life Development	70
9	“Thai Youth Learning to Cope with Disasters”	70
8	“Water Crisis, World Crisis: Power Green Integrating Transboundary Water Management”	67
7	“Protecting the Green Earth, Reducing Global Warming, Preparing for One ASEAN”	70
6	“Will 2012 Bring Disaster? How Do We Prepare?”	68
5	“Biodiversity at My Home Helps Beautify the World”	60
4	“Solving Pollution, Reducing Environmental Crisis”	70
3	“Reducing Global Warming with Our Own Hands”	62
2	Environmental Science Youth	70
1	Environmental Science Youth	70

References

15.2.2 Sustainably farmed food on campus

Mahidol University has a clear institutional policy to ensure that food served on campus is sustainably sourced.

The university has issued the “Mahidol University Announcement on the Policy to Promote Food from Sustainable Sources, Nutritious, and Hygienic according to Food Sanitation B.E. 2568 (2025) ”, which serves as a key policy framework to guarantee that seafood and aquatic food products provided within the university are responsibly sourced and consumed (Sustainably Harvested Aquatic Food).

This policy promotes the use of ingredients and food products from sustainable sources, taking into account environmental impacts and animal welfare, with the goal of minimizing negative effects on aquatic ecosystems. It reinforces the university’s strong commitment to building sustainability throughout the food supply chain in a tangible and responsible manner.

According to the “Mahidol University Announcement on the Policy to Promote Food from Sustainable Sources, Nutritious, and Hygienic according to Food Sanitation B.E. 2568 (2025)”

2. The University has established a policy to promote food from sustainable, nutritious, and hygienic sources in accordance with food sanitation principles, as part of the Mahidol University Sustainability Action. This initiative aligns with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 14: Life Below Water, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources and aquatic ecosystems, as follows:

2.1 Promote the use of high-quality, nutritious ingredients from safe and contamination-free sources, with continuous quality monitoring to ensure consumer safety, as detailed below:

Meat and animal products must come from farms or production sources that are free from contaminants and hazardous chemicals, hygienically processed, and legally certified.
Aquatic animals and seafood must be sourced from legally operated fisheries or local community fisheries that manage aquatic resources sustainably and do not harm the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems.
Vegetables, fruits, and plants used in food preparation must come from safe, contamination-free, and chemical-free sources, be seasonal produce, and preferably sourced from local farmers.

2.2 Promote a transparent and verifiable procurement system for raw materials, ensuring the selection of vendors who prioritize consumer health and the use of ingredients from sustainable food sources.

References

Mahidol University Announcement on the Policy to Promote Food from Sustainable Sources, Nutritious, and Hygienic according to Food Sanitation B.E. 2568 (2025).

15.2.3 Maintain and extend current ecosystems' biodiversity

Mahidol University conducts research and proactive projects to directly maintain and extend existing ecosystems and their biodiversity, of both plants and animals, especially focusing on ecosystems under threat.

The Occurrence and Distribution of Eld's Deer Following Reintroduction in Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary

Maintaining Ecosystems via Biodiversity (Restoring the Food Chain) The university leads the research project "The Occurrence and Distribution of Eld's Deer Following Reintroduction in Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary," an ecosystem under threat from prey depletion.

This project is a direct action to maintain animal biodiversity by systematically monitoring the reintroduced Eld's Deer (prey) population using methodologies like Camera Traps, Occupancy analysis, and population structure studies. The research confirms the project's success, identifying at least 76 individuals with a healthy male-to-female ratio (1:1.33).

The most significant impact of this project is that restoring the prey (deer) population helps to "maintain the ecosystem's" balance. This restoration supports the return of large predators (e.g., Tigers), linking to the tiger population in the nearby Huai Khakhaeng World Heritage Site, thus making the entire ecosystem more complex and sustainable.

Forest Conservation and Restoration Project Nan Sandbox: Restoring Forests for the People

Extending Ecosystems: Restoring Forests for the People The university is actively involved in the "Forest Conservation and Restoration under the Nan Sandbox Initiative," a project designed to "extend ecosystems" and restore the "ecosystem under threat" in Nan Province, with the core goal of " Restoring forests for the people."

This is a direct action to extend plant biodiversity through a land allocation strategy (72:18:10). This strategy mandates reforestation (100 trees/rai) to restore and extend the forest ecosystem in 18% of the target area, while simultaneously addressing land rights and poverty. It promotes sustainable agroforestry (e.g., high-value medicinal plants) under the restored forest canopy, balancing the extension of the forest ecosystem with sustainable community livelihoods.

References

15.2.4 Educational programmes on ecosystems

Mahidol University is committed to providing academic services and offering educational programmes on ecosystems to national communities, particularly youth, to promote knowledge and conservation of wild flora and fauna.

The "Power Green Camp" organized by the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies in collaboration with the private sector. This is an educational program open to youth (a national community) from across Thailand to build youth environmental leaders. Since its inception, the program has had a total of 1,159 participants.

Camp	Theme	Participants
19	“Urban Rewilding” Connecting all lives to nature	50
18	Waste Warriors: Green Cloud – Green Tech – Green Influencer	50
17	Climate Change, We Must Change	50
16	ECO Living & Learning (Adapting to a Green Lifestyle for the New Normal)	40
15	Jungle Rumble	15
14	“Youth Power vs. Global Warming, Protecting Biodiversity”	70
13	Biodiversity Management and Creative Economic Value Added	69
12	“Balancing Economy, Society, and Biodiversity Sustainably in the Thailand 4.0 Era”	69
11	"Biodiversity Management and Sustainable Conservation of World Heritage Sites"	69
10	Biodiversity for Sustainable Environmental and Quality of Life Development	70
9	“Thai Youth Learning to Cope with Disasters”	70
8	“Water Crisis, World Crisis: Power Green Integrating Transboundary Water Management”	67
7	“Protecting the Green Earth, Reducing Global Warming, Preparing for One ASEAN”	70
6	“Will 2012 Bring Disaster? How Do We Prepare?”	68
5	“Biodiversity at My Home Helps Beautify the World”	60
4	“Solving Pollution, Reducing Environmental Crisis”	70
3	“Reducing Global Warming with Our Own Hands”	62
2	Environmental Science Youth	70
1	Environmental Science Youth	70

The program focuses directly on ecosystems. The 19th camp (2024) theme, “Urban Rewilding” , aimed to inspire the conservation of forests, natural resources, and biodiversity (wild flora and fauna) , and promote systematic conservation and restoration of forest resources.

This program is provided Free of charge to all selected participants.

References

Power Green Camp 19 “Urban Rewilding”

15.2.5 Sustainable management of land for agriculture (educational outreach)

Mahidol University is committed to providing academic services and offering educational programmes/outreach to local communities to promote knowledge on the sustainable management of land for agriculture.

Project on Adapting Agricultural Practices in the Bueng Boraphet Wetland

Wetland Agriculture Adaptation Project Mahidol University runs the "Project on Adapting Agricultural Practices in the Bueng Boraphet Wetland to be Environmentally Friendly." This project functions as an educational outreach program targeting farming communities around the Bueng Boraphet wetland (e.g., Wang Mahakorn, Phra Non sub-districts).

The program aims to "create a learning process" and "establish learning centers" for the community. It focuses on training and study trips to shift traditional agricultural practices (which are water-intensive and high-emission) towards "sustainable agriculture", including Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) rice farming and fertilizer production from water weeds.

The project has achieved significant impact, establishing "Community Learning Center Models" and "Community Enterprises" (e.g., the "Bueng Boraphet Low Carbon" brand). This educational and training outreach program is provided Free of charge to the community.

Policy Plan for Sustainable Agriculture based on Community Agroforestry

Community Agroforestry Policy Outreach Project The university also implements the "Policy Plan for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Management based on Community Agroforestry" in Lampang Province. This is an educational outreach program focused on the "sustainable management of land for agriculture."

The program is conducted through "learning exchange activities" and "workshops" with farmers and communities in pilot areas (e.g., Mueang, Ko Kha districts). It aims to raise awareness and develop Good Practices in "Agroforestry" (planting crops integrated with forests).

This sustainable method helps farmers reduce costs (especially chemicals), increase biodiversity on their land, improve soil moisture, and build food security. This educational outreach program is provided Free of charge to the community.

References

15.2.6 Sustainable management of land for tourism (educational outreach)

Ecological landscape of fossil sources at Kao Noi and Phon Forest in Satun UNESCO Global Geopark

Masterplan : Phon Forest

Masterplan : Kao Noi

Mahidol University (Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies) provides a direct educational programme/outreach for local communities on the sustainable management of land for tourism, evidenced by the project "Ecological landscape of fossil sources at Kao Noi and Phon Forest in Satun UNESCO Global Geopark."

This project, conducted in collaboration with the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark and local administrative organizations, is a direct response to UNESCO's recommendation to enhance geotourism promotion (sustainable tourism).

The project's core was developing the "sustainable management" plan itself—creating an eco-landscape map that "zoned" the sensitive land into reserved, conservation, and development areas to ensure "minimal disturbance to nature" and "balanced conservation."

Crucially, this plan was delivered to the local community as an educational outreach program through:

Direct Training: The university organized "training sessions... for young tour guides and teachers" at local schools (Kamphaeng School and Pa Phon School).
Developing Educational Tools: The project created and transferred a "Satun UNESCO Global Geopark travel route guide" and a "Nature study trail model" directly to this trained local community.
Community-Centric Model : The plan's design (e.g., LOCAL GUIDE, LOCAL FOOD, LOCAL CRAFT) is built around empowering "local people’s participation" to manage tourism activities sustainably.

This educational outreach and training was provided Free of charge to the community.

Low Carbon Community Model and Agri-Cultural Food Tourism (Koh Lat E-Taen)

Mahidol University leads the "Driving Participatory 'Net Zero' Emission Policy: Low Carbon Community Model and Agri-Cultural Food Tourism" project, which is a direct collaboration with the local community of Koh Lat E-Taen.

This project is built on strong partnerships (a 5-sector model) designed to maintain the shared land ecosystem. The university collaborates with community leaders, government agencies, and private partners to provide workshops focused on sustainable land management, such as:

Soil, water, and plant management for low-carbon, organic agriculture.
No-turn composting to reduce burning and maintain soil health.
Preparing farmers for organic certification.

This collaboration empowers the community to maintain their shared agro-ecosystem sustainably. This collaborative program is provided Free of charge to the community.

References

15.3 Supporting land ecosystems through action

15.3.1 Sustainable use, conservation and restoration of land (policy)

Mahidol University is committed to advancing its mission toward becoming a Sustainable University (Mahidol University Sustainability Action) in alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University recognizes the importance of the conservation, restoration, and responsible use of terrestrial ecosystems, which is a key mission in achieving Goal 15: Life on Land – Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

Accordingly, the University has announced the “Policy on the Promotion of Conservation and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources B.E. 2568 (2025)”, which serves as a core policy to ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable utilization of terrestrial ecosystems related to the University. The policy emphasizes the management of green spaces, forests, and biodiversity.

Mahidol University Announcement
Policy on the Promotion of Conservation and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
B.E. 2568 (2025)
……………………………………… …..

In recognition of the importance of establishing a policy to conserve, restore, and utilize natural resources in a balanced and sustainable manner, in accordance with responsible conservation and development principles, and to support university activities, projects, and land use that generate positive impacts on the environment, biodiversity, and terrestrial ecosystems, Mahidol University hereby issues this policy.

By virtue of Section 34 (1) of the Mahidol University Act B.E. 2550 (2007), the President of Mahidol University hereby prescribes the following policy:

Clause 1
The previous Mahidol University Announcement on the Policy on the Promotion of Conservation and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources B.E. 2564 (2021) is hereby repealed.

Clause 2
For the purpose of this announcement:

“University” means Mahidol University.
“Unit” means the University Council Office, Office of the President, campuses, faculties, and other equivalent administrative units.
“IUCN Red List” refers to the list compiled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to assess the global conservation status and extinction risk of species, using standardized criteria for classifying threatened species.

Clause 3
Mahidol University establishes this Policy on the Promotion of Conservation and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources as part of the Mahidol University Sustainability Action, in alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 15: Life on Land, which focuses on the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, as follows:

3.1 Preserve and restore existing natural green areas to promote biodiversity.

3.2 Support university activities or projects that emphasize the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

3.3 Promote projects that generate positive environmental impacts, such as reforestation, green area restoration, and biodiversity conservation.

3.4 Support the protection of biodiversity for all species listed in the IUCN Red List, particularly rare and endangered plant and animal species, to ensure biodiversity conservation.

3.5 Establish preventive measures or guidelines to avoid adverse impacts on the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

References

Policy on the Promotion of Conservation and Utilization of Natural Resources B.E. 2568 (2025).

15.3.2 Monitoring IUCN and other conservation species (policies)

This policy mandates the preservation and restoration of existing natural green areas to promote biodiversity, the support of environmentally positive activities such as reforestation, and the protection of biodiversity for all species listed in the IUCN Red List. This reaffirms the University’s clear commitment to the sustainable management and stewardship of terrestrial ecosystems.

References

Policy on the Promotion of Conservation and Utilization of Natural Resources B.E. 2568 (2025).

15.3.3 Local biodiversity included in planning and development

Mahidol University explicitly includes local biodiversity into its planning and development process , including the construction of new buildings.

The "Mahidol University Salaya Master Plan B.E. 2551 (2008)." The core concept of this plan is the "Greens University," envisioning the campus as an "Arboretum" where the community can "Live and Learn Together with Nature."

This Master Plan integrates local biodiversity into planning and construction in the following ways:

Strategy (Greens 1: Save and Healthy Campus): The plan mandates that the university maintain "a variety of flora, including local flora , medicinal herbs..." explicitly targeting the conservation of local biodiversity.
Landscape Planning: The "Landscapes Planting Concept" requires that plant selection be based on the "local topography and landscape" and climate tolerance, directly integrating local ecological considerations into the planning.
Development and Construction: The "Building and Construction Control" section mandates the integration of "nature with buildings," using building setbacks to preserve the "Green Network," quality of life, and the "original natural state" as much as possible.

Landscape Development under the Mahidol University Master Plan B.E. 2551 (2008)

1. Concept of Landscape Development at Mahidol University, Salaya Campus
The landscape development concept aims to create a green, pleasant, and serene environment that fosters a learning community atmosphere. The concept is based on three key principles:

Conservation of green areas rich in diverse tree species, while maintaining the natural ecosystem of each area as close to its original state as possible.
Development of open spaces and green areas for functional use in alignment with sports, recreation, educational activities, and as balanced components of buildings and structures.
Creation of green corridors and greenways that connect all parts of the campus seamlessly, promoting the image of an integrated learning and living environment surrounded by nature.

2. Landscape Development Components within Mahidol University, Salaya Campus

2.1 University Axis

East–West Green Axis: The main pedestrian and bicycle route within the academic zone, connecting from Gate 3 to the road in front of the student dormitories and the sports complex.
North–South Green Axis: The main vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle route starting from the entrance and road beside the Mahidol Sithakarn Hall, branching from Borommaratchachonnani Road, connecting to Thinwitthayakan Road and Salaya–Thaiyawas–Nakhon Chai Si Road.

2.2 Vista, Landmark, and Visual Corridor
Designated viewpoints, landmarks, and visual corridors are established to create a distinctive and memorable physical identity for the university, enhancing spatial orientation and providing pleasant, shaded visual experiences.

2.3 Social Activity Nodes and Facility Nodes
Outdoor spaces are designed to accommodate various university community activities, encouraging interaction and engagement. Activity spaces are categorized into three types: activity plazas, activity walkways, and service points.

2.4 Green Network
A green circulation system connects different types of public parks through green linkages and walkways, forming a large, continuous green network across the campus.

2.5 Sport and Recreation Area System
Sports and recreation areas are divided into four types:

Main sports fields
Lawn areas for exercise
Ponds for boating and leisure activities
Bicycle paths for recreation and fitness

2.6 Planting Use System
The design considers the ecosystem of living organisms within the tree canopy layer, integrating existing and newly developed ecosystems into a cohesive, natural green environment based on the Tree Canopy Landscape Ecology concept. Tree selection includes three categories: trees, shrubs, and groundcovers.

2.7 Landscape Planting Concept
Given Mahidol University’s tropical climate, plant selection is based on two main principles:

Classification according to the importance of each road.
Classification according to the topography and characteristics of each garden area.
Plant species are chosen for climate resilience and low water requirements. Examples include Ruellia tuberosa (Toi Ting), Wedelia trilobata (Creeping Daisy), Canna indica (Canna Lily), and Zephyranthes (Rain Lily).

2.8 Lighting Concept
In addition to landscape design, nighttime usability is an important consideration. Lighting design focuses on aesthetic harmony and functional suitability, ensuring appropriate brightness levels for each area in accordance with landscape architecture design standards.

References

Mahidol University Salaya Master Plan B.E. 2551 (Greens University Concept)

15.3.4 Alien species impact reduction (policies)

Mahidol University is committed to advancing its mission toward becoming a Sustainable University (Mahidol University Sustainability Action) in alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University recognizes the importance of biodiversity conservation and maintaining the balance of terrestrial ecosystems, which is a key mission in achieving Goal 15: Life on Land – Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

Accordingly, the University has announced the “Policy on the Reduction of Impacts from Alien Species B.E. 2568 (2025)”, which serves as a core policy to control and mitigate the impacts of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) within university areas, addressing threats to biodiversity.

This policy promotes the use of native plant species suitable for the local environment in landscape management and establishes measures to control the spread of alien species to prevent invasive impacts on ecosystems and native species, ensuring the sustainable management and stewardship of terrestrial ecosystems.

References

Policy on the Reduction of Impacts from Alien Species B.E. 2568 (2025)

15.3.5 Collaboration for shared land ecosystems

Mahidol University actively collaborates with the local community through established partnerships in efforts to maintain shared land ecosystems.

Check Dam Volunteer Activity, Kanchanaburi Campus

Mahidol University actively collaborates with the local community through established partnerships in efforts to maintain shared land ecosystems.

The "Check Dam Project" at the Kanchanaburi Campus. This project was initiated to solve a critical shared ecosystem problem affecting both the university (upstream) and the surrounding community (downstream)

The Shared Ecosystem Problem: The campus, located on foothills, experienced severe soil erosion. During the rainy season, this erosion washed sediment downstream, causing flooding and siltation that directly impacted the local community (government offices and homes) in the Sai Yok District below.

Collaboration and Partnerships: To maintain this shared ecosystem, the Kanchanaburi Campus established partnerships in 2010, notably with SCGP Wang Sala Factory and "all sectors in the Sai Yok District" (local community) .

This collaboration includes large-scale volunteer events (e.g., the 2024 "92 Check Dams for the 92nd Royal Birthday" event). These events integrated efforts from private partners (SCGP), the public sector (Ministry of Industry), Mahidol students, and over 500 "community volunteers" (local community).

Maintaining the Ecosystem (Outcome): The construction of these dams (427 to date) has successfully maintained this shared ecosystem . Evidence confirms that "the problem... [of] flooding the Sai Yok area and causing trouble for the community has continuously decreased every year."

Low Carbon Community Model and Agri-Cultural Food Tourism (Koh Lat E-Taen)

Low-Carbon Agri-Cultural Food Tourism The university leads the "Driving Participatory 'Net Zero' Emission Policy: Low Carbon Community Model and Agri-Cultural Food Tourism" project in the Koh Lat E-Taen community, Nakhom Pathom.

This is an educational outreach program to create a sustainable tourism model linked to the sustainable management of agricultural land. The project provides workshops to the local community and farmers on topics such as:

Soil, water, and plant management for low-carbon ingredients.
Carbon calculation techniques for agricultural crops.
Alternative energy for a low-carbon lifestyle.
Preparing farmers for organic certification.

This knowledge empowers the community to manage their land for low-carbon agriculture, which forms the foundation of their sustainable "Agri-Cultural Food Tourism" model.

This educational and training outreach program is provided Free of charge to the community.

References

15.4 Land sensitive waste disposal

15.4.1 Water discharge guidelines and standards

Mahidol University implements sustainable water management guidelines under its Green University policy, which include water quality standards and guidelines for water discharges to protect ecosystems and community welfare.

The university's Physical and Environmental Division is officially responsible for "controlling... the wastewater treatment system." This responsibility ensures that all water discharges are properly treated and meet defined quality standards before being released, thereby upholding water quality to protect local ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.

As part of this comprehensive water management (SDG 6), the university has also installed 90 Digital Water Meters to monitor consumption, reflecting an integrated approach to water resources from intake (consumption) to discharge (treatment).

Digital Water Meter Installation Map (Part of Water Management System)

Map Showing the Installation Sites of Digital Water Meters at Mahidol University, Salaya Campus

The Treatment Process: The university operates a large-scale "Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment System" (built in 2012) with a capacity of 3,000 m³/day, designed to treat all wastewater generated by over 30,000 staff and students.

The Standards and Guidelines: The university adheres to strict guidelines for its water discharges:

Standardized Discharge: Only water that has been treated and "meets standards" (ผ่านมาตรฐาน) is permitted to be discharged into the canal system and released off-campus.
Monitoring Guideline: To ensure discharges do not harm the ecosystem, the Physical and Environmental Division conducts "monthly monitoring of surface water." This monitoring includes testing for dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH levels.
Corrective Standard: If monitoring finds that water quality "exceeds the standard" (ค่าเกินมาตรฐาน) , the university immediately implements measures to "improve the water quality to meet the standard."

This entire cycle (treatment, monthly monitoring, and corrective action) constitutes the university's robust guidelines and standards for water discharges to protect the environment.

References

Water Management

15.4.2 Policy on plastic waste reduction

Single-Use Plastic Waste Reduction Policy B.E. 2568 (2025)

Mahidol University has implemented the Mahidol University Sustainability Action in alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To raise awareness and encourage participation among the Mahidol community in reducing the use of plastic and foam packaging—which are major contributors to pollution and global warming through greenhouse gas emissions—the university has established the following Single-Use Plastic Waste Reduction Policy.

All university units and shops are encouraged to avoid the use of single-use plastics that may result in microplastic residues in the environment, particularly in the sale and service of food and beverages, catering, and other activities within the university.

Recommended Packaging Guidelines

Avoid using plastic carry bags and degradable plastics (Oxo-Degradable Plastic / Degradable Plastic / Environmentally Degradable Plastic).
Use paper bags, and shops may use plastic carry bags for hot food and heat-resistant plastic bags for food packaging.
Shops may charge an additional fee of not less than 5 Baht per paper bag.
Avoid using PLA (Polylactic Acid) plastic cups and thin plastic cups.
Units and shops should use cups made from plant fiber or paper cups coated with biodegradable materials, or Type 1 plastic cups (Polyethylene Terephthalate: PET) suitable for recycling, in that order of preference.
Shops may charge an additional fee of not less than 3 Baht per cup.
Avoid using plastic cup lids for beverages.
Units and shops should use cup lids made from plant fiber or paper coated with biodegradable materials, or Type 1 plastic lids (Polyethylene Terephthalate: PET) suitable for recycling, in that order of preference.
No specific charge rate is set.
Avoid using plastic straws.
Shops should use straws made from plant fiber.
No specific charge rate is set.
Avoid using plastic food containers or packaging.
Shops should use eco-friendly or recyclable food containers (e.g., made from bagasse, banana fiber, areca palm sheath, bamboo, cassava), paper containers, or Type 1 plastic containers (Polyethylene Terephthalate: PET), in that order of preference.
Shops may charge an additional fee of not less than 5 Baht per container.
Avoid using plastic spoons and forks.
Shops should use spoons and forks made from plant fiber or wood.
No specific charge rate is set.

The operations of shops under Clauses 1–6 may be carried out only upon customer request.

In cases where a university unit finds it necessary to use packaging materials that are recommended to be avoided, the unit should establish an internal waste management system to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.

All university units and shops must refrain from using foam food and beverage containers under all circumstances.

Each unit or shop must separate and clean plastic waste by type to ensure it is suitable for recycling.
Each unit must implement measures to monitor and supervise shops to ensure compliance with the university’s Single-Use Plastic Waste Reduction Policy.
Each unit should promote and publicize the use of personal containers and utensils—such as cups, straws, food containers, cutlery, and cloth bags—when purchasing food and beverages, in order to reduce single-use plastic consumption.
Units may establish additional or specific policies on single-use plastic waste reduction that differ from this announcement, provided such policies are formally issued and appropriate to the unit’s context.
The university will continuously monitor the amount of waste generated by each unit to support planning and improvement of waste management practices.

This policy is supported by clear practices to ensure its adoption, such as:

Reusable Containers and Bags Project: To promote the reduction of plastic waste, the university offers a discount on food or beverages for students and staff who bring their own reusable containers. Additionally, during the Weekly Friday Market, the university encourages shoppers to use reusable cloth bags to reduce plastic waste, and a donation point for reusable bags has also been set up.

Recycling Waste Bank Project: Mahidol University promotes a culture of waste separation to improve the efficiency of waste management. Through the Recycling Waste Bank project, the university supports students, staff, and community members in participating in recycling efforts by purchasing recyclable materials.

References

15.4.3 Policy on hazardous waste disposal

Mahidol University has a comprehensive system for hazardous materials disposal, built upon a clear Policy, implemented through robust Operations (Process) and Learning (Practice), and benchmarked against national standards through Collaboration.

Policy Mahidol University's hazardous waste management operates under a comprehensive policy framework. The overarching framework is the "Mahidol University Announcement on the Policy and Guidelines on Safety, Occupational Health, and Work Environment B.E. 2564 (2021)."

This is supported by the specific core policy, the "Mahidol University Announcement on Hazardous Waste Management from Laboratories Policy B.E. 2565 (2022)." This 2022 policy mandates the control, reduction, and "separation of hazardous waste from general waste" (Clause 3). It also requires all departments to appoint responsible committees (Clause 6) and is monitored through annual Performance Agreements.

Operations (Process) This policy is implemented through a robust "process" managed by the Center for Safety, Occupational Health and Environment (COSHEM). The primary tool is the "ESPReL" (Enhancement of Safety Practice of Research Laboratory) project. This process involves auditing labs using a checklist that specifically includes "hazardous waste management." As of 2025, 496 (out of 605) labs are ESPReL certified (81.98%), with further certification via Peer Evaluation (92 labs) and TIS 2677 (3 labs).

Learning (Practice) The university ensures a standardized "practice" for handling hazardous waste through mandatory training:

Safety Standard Training: Includes a module on the "Waste Management System."
MU LaBPass: A mandatory E-learning course for all students before lab access. One of the 9 modules is "Waste Management," and students must achieve a pass rate of 80%.

Collaboration This entire process is reinforced by collaboration with national bodies. Mahidol works with the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) to implement the ESPReL standards and has an MOU for the Peer Evaluation program, ensuring the university's hazardous waste management practices are aligned with national standards.

References