ONEB Calls on Thais to Drive Global Future on International Biodiversity Day

The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEB) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will host activities for International Biodiversity Day 2025 on Friday, May 22 at the Convention Center of Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok under the theme 'Acting Locally for Global Impact.' The event aims to build understanding and awareness of biodiversity's importance and promote sustainable conservation and use of biological diversity, emphasizing the role of all sectors in achieving global targets. The activity seeks to shift public perception by showing that biodiversity is not a distant concern but directly affects everyone's quality of life—including food, water, air, health, economics, and future natural resource security. Activities include exhibitions titled 'Guardians of Biodiversity Protection' featuring contributions from government agencies, private companies, educational institutions, and partner networks. A key highlight is the presentation of certificates to areas recognized as Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). Three major panel discussions will take place: a special session introducing Princess Sirindhorn's book 'Some of My Observations on Biodiversity in Thailand,' a discussion on strengthening networks for biodiversity change featuring representatives from the Office of Bioeconomy Development, the Thai Business Council for Sustainable Development, and Mahidol University, and a session on Thai business and the Nature Positive agenda led by the Global Compact Network Thailand. ONEB states that insights and recommendations from participants will help Thailand prepare for the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 17) to be held in Armenia in late October 2025, emphasizing that protecting biodiversity is a collective responsibility of all people to preserve the world for future generations.