Bangkok: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has launched the Thailand Nature Positive Forum 2026, with the theme "Driving the Business Sector Towards a Positive Nature Future," to encourage Thai businesses to adopt the Nature Positive concept for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Raveewan Phuridej, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, officially opened the event, alongside Ms. Patranan Thongprapal, Advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. Organized by the Bio-Economic Development Agency (BEDO), the forum aims to advance the Ministry's policies on biodiversity conservation, restoration, and sustainable use. It also seeks to foster collaboration across various sectors to enhance the country's bioeconomy. The forum was held at the Aswin Grand Convention Hotel in Laksi District, Bangkok.
Dr. Raveewan emphasized the government's commitment, under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, to prioritize the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in line with the Nature Positive approach. She noted that achieving these goals requires integrated cooperation from government agencies, the business sector, and society, and she acknowledged 14 organizations for their work with the National Environment Board (NEB).
Dr. Thanit Changthaworn, Director of BEDO, highlighted the event's objective of building knowledge and facilitating best practice exchanges among stakeholders. The forum encourages businesses to apply the Nature Positive concept, aiming for sustainable biodiversity conservation and utilization. Certificates were awarded to organizations collaborating with BEDO for their contributions in this field.
The forum included a morning session titled "Business Case Studies: Implementing Nature Positive Initiatives," where businesses shared their experiences using BEDO's biodiversity approaches. The session offered a platform for discussing lessons learned and inspiring businesses to adopt Nature Positive initiatives. Speakers included representatives from Khao Lak Merlin Resort, Ubon Bio Ethanol Public Company Limited, and Asian Sea Corporation Public Company Limited.
An afternoon panel discussion focused on "Positive Nature Restoration Approaches," featuring speakers from leading organizations across various sectors. The discussion disseminated policies, strategies, and biodiversity initiatives to serve as models for participating businesses. Speakers from PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited, WHA Industrial Development Public Company Limited, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited, and SCG Chemicals Public Company Limited shared their insights.
The Thailand Nature Positive Forum 2026 underscores the increasing importance of addressing biodiversity issues. It marks a significant step in fostering sector-wide collaboration and promoting the widespread implementation of the Nature Positive goal, aspiring to halt biodiversity loss and restore natural resources while ensuring balanced economic and societal growth.