New york: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand made significant contributions at the 21st session of the United Nations Conference on Forests, focusing on sustainable forest management policy recommendations for member countries.
According to Thai News Agency, the conference held at the United Nations Headquarters saw the participation of Dr. Raveewan Pooridej, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, who led the Thai delegation. Along with Mr. Nikorn Sirirojananont, Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, and other officials, Dr. Pooridej engaged in drafting a joint resolution known as the Omnibus Resolution. This resolution will serve as a guide for sustainable forest management among member states, emphasizing cooperation, monitoring, evaluation, and implementation mechanisms.
During the event, Dr. Raweewan Phuridej conducted bilateral discussions with various countries and forestry organizations to advance the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests (UNSPF) targets and Thailand's national forestry policy. Key collaborations included:
1. Forestry Cooperation between Thailand and China: Dr. Phuridej met with Dr. Hu Yuanhui from China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration to discuss enhancing forestry personnel capabilities and cooperation in forest restoration through APFNet. China also invited Thailand to the APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forest in 2026.
2. Collaboration with the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO): Dr. Phuridej met ITTO's Executive Director, Ms. Sheam Satkuru, discussing past and future support for teak development and forest fire management. They are currently working on a joint project proposal for the Green Climate Fund.
3. Collaboration with the Canadian Ministry of Natural Resources: Discussions with Ms. Christa Mooney of the Canadian Forest Service focused on sustainable forest landscape management through the Model Forest Network. Thailand plans to expand this model, previously implemented in Lampang province, to Bang Krachao.
The UNFF21 conference, scheduled for May 11-15, 2026, will culminate in the adoption of the Omnibus Resolution by all 193 member states, outlining the outcomes of this session of the United Nations Forum on Forests.