RBRU Establishes Center to Drive Plant Genetic Conservation Location: Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand

The establishment of the center is a direct response to the Royal Development Project on Plant Genetic Resources (RDPGR) initiative, following authorization granted by the Bureau of the Royal Household’s Department of Special Activities on March 1, 2023. Its primary objectives include studying and collecting data on local plant life and indigenous knowledge, and promoting the work of local networks to maximize community benefits. The Coordination Center is tasked with overseeing and coordinating activities across 10 districts in Chanthaburi and 7 districts in Trat. The center aims to act as a mentor, providing academic and technical support to educational institutions and local administrative organizations participating in the School Botanical Garden program and the Local Resource Base program. This support is intended to advance related research and promote sustainable conservation practices. Assistant Professor Waigoon Thongaram, President of Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University, affirmed the university’s commitment to the project. "The university is fully prepared to drive this operation forward, generating knowledge and understanding among educational institutions and local governmental bodies within our responsible areas," he said. "Our goal is to instill a sense of conservation awareness and highlight the value of the local plant genetic resources and other assets within these communities." The opening ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including Montasit Phaisalthanawat (Governor of Chanthaburi Province), Damrongsak Yodthongdee (Deputy Governor of Trat Province), Pornchai Chutamas (Deputy Director of the RDPGR Project), Dr. Piyarat Prinya-pong Charoensuk (Assistant Director of the RDPGR Project), and Assistant Professor Thongaram. Following the opening, attendees toured exhibitions showcasing RDPGR project outcomes from RBRU and its local resource base network members across Chanthaburi and Trat. These displays highlighted successful implementation of the Royal Initiative Projects, aligning directly with the Rajabhat University system’s core mission of local development and sustainability.