Museum and GIZ Partner on Climate-Smart Rice Learning Initiative
The National Science Museum and GIZ have partnered to launch a youth awareness program on climate-smart rice farming, combining expertise in sustainable agriculture with science communication through exhibitions, traveling caravans, and edu
On August 21, Suwarong Wongsiri, acting director of the National Science Museum (NSM), signed a memorandum of cooperation with Dr. Nana Kunkel, coordinator of GIZ's agriculture and food programme in Thailand, to launch the Youth and Public Awareness Program on Climate-Smart and Sustainable Rice Farming. The initiative seeks to disseminate knowledge about environmentally friendly rice production while building awareness of sustainable agriculture among youth, teachers, farmers, and the public across Thailand through diverse learning activities and accessible science communication that promotes long-term quality of life and sustainable society.
Suwarong explained that the collaboration combines GIZ's expertise in climate-smart agriculture with NSM's strengths in science communication and learning experience design, making complex topics understandable, engaging, and relevant to daily life. The partnership aims to show that everyone—from youth to consumers—can contribute to sustainable rice production, from farming practices to consumption choices and environmental impact reduction. The "Sustainable Rice" exhibition at NST Fair 2026 will serve as the starting point, followed by the RICE RANGER activity series, traveling exhibitions on mobile science caravans, online content, and science articles reaching schools, communities, and farming areas nationwide.
Suwarong added that NSM believes sustainable change begins with knowledge, understanding, and participation. The collaboration not only conveys climate-smart rice farming knowledge but also plants seeds of awareness so younger generations value rice, understand links between science, agriculture, and the environment, and develop new approaches for a sustainable future in Thai agriculture and the global community.
Dr. Nana Kunkel stated that GIZ supports Thailand's transition to climate-friendly agriculture that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and strengthens farmer resilience. The partnership with NSM represents a vital opportunity to share sustainable rice knowledge with youth and the public through accessible, engaging learning processes that inspire a new generation to advance agriculture through science and innovation. After the NST Fair 2026 exhibition, the program will continue expanding across the country.
