On 23 April 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy in Doha, in collaboration with the Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the Environmental Science Center at Qatar University, hosted a seminar titled "From Local to Global: Thailand’s Sustainability and Eco-Tourism Journeys" at the Park Hyatt Doha. This event is an official side event of the Earthna Summit 2025, Qatar’s international conference on sustainability, held under the theme “Building Our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation, and Traditional Knowledge” from 22 - 23 April 2025.

The seminar opened with the opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Sira Swangsilpa, Ambassador of Thailand to Qatar, who emphasized the importance sustainable development and environmental conservation, which are potential areas of collaboration between Thailand and Qatar that aligns with both countries’ national development strategies. This followed by remarks of Dr. Radhouane Ben-Hamadou, Director of Research and Policy at Earthna, on behalf of the co-hosts, who addressed the importance of international cooperation and working together with international partners. Additionally, Mrs. Chachsaran Lertkiattiwong, Director of International Cooperation Division of Thailand International Cooperation Agency, emphasized TICA’s role as Thailand’s focal point for international development cooperation and knowledge exchange between Thailand and the Middle East region, especially Qatar, in the area of mutual interests.

The seminar highlighted Thailand’s sustainability frameworks, emphasizing its globally recognized eco-tourism models, environmental conservation efforts, and community-driven development initiatives. It also aimed to foster collaboration between Thailand and Qatar, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the 3^rd National Development Strategy 2024
- 2030, which prioritize sustainable economic growth and knowledge-based economy.

Key Sessions and Presentations: The seminar featured expert-led discussions on three key areas that aligns with the theme of Earthna Summit 2025:

1. Session I: Empowering Local Communities - An Enterprise for a Better World

• Key takeaways: Visit-orn Rajatanarvin, Director of Knowledge and Learning Centre, Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage (MFLF), shared how the Doi Tung Development Project tackles deep-rooted issues in northern Thailand such as opium cultivation, human trafficking and illiteracy, through a holistic and people-centric approach. By fostering business empowerment and education, as well as addressing environmental issues, the project empowers communities toward lasting self-reliance, and became a model of how integrated development can break cycles of poverty and create a more resilient and sustainable future.
• About: The Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage (MFLF), founded in 1972, is a private non-profit organization established to improve the quality of life of the people in poverty and deprived of opportunities. The Foundation provides the people in the project area with education, proper infrastructure, and legitimate ways to earn their living, while fostering co-existence between man and nature. (https://www.maefahluang.org/en/homepage)

2. Session II: Promoting Responsible Eco-Tourism and Environmental

      Education

• Key takeaways: Alex Rendell, Chief Executive Director and Co-Founder of Environmental Education Centre (EEC) Thailand, demonstrated that a truly responsible eco-tourism could only begin with education that cultivates connection between people and nature. Through immersive learning and meaningful collaboration with local communities, Mr. Rendell shared how hands-on education could empower youth and the broader public to take on active roles in conservation and sustainable development.
• About: Founded on the principles of and passion for environmental conservation and sustainability, Environmental Education Centre Thailand is a leading organization dedicated to environmental education through structured activities centered around our classroom, nature. (https://eecthailand.com/)

3. Session III: Panel Discussion on Advancing Environmental Conservation

• Key Discussions: This panel provided insights from Thai and Qatari experts on current mangrove conservation efforts and educational awareness-raising initiatives. Ongoing collaborations between Thailand and Qatar on
  eco-tourism development, mangrove conservation and coastal ecosystem resilience are also discussed.
• Associate Asst. Prof. Dr. Pasinee Worachananant, Vice Dean, Faculty of Environment, Kasetsart University, shared her observations and policy recommendations from her previous visit in February 2025. The key observations included (1) Biodiversity Challenges and Opportunities, (2) Mangrove Nursery Development and (3) Eco-Tourism and awareness-raising.
• Aspa D. Chatziefthimiou, Chief Scientific Officer of Mangrove Restoration Project at Earthna, shared her insights and experiences in conservation projects and the recommendations for educational policies and awareness-raising campaigns for the general public.
• Dr. Jassim Al-Khayat, Principal Investigator, Environmental Science Center of Qatar University elaborated on the ongoing projects and extensive research done by Qatari authorities and academia in the past, and shared his views on engaging the wider and newer generation with environmental stewardship and conserving the country’s heritage of living and utilizing mangrove forests.
• About: As Thailand’s premier institution in agricultural sciences and environmental technology, Kasetsart University has been at the forefront of sustainable innovation. (ku.ac.th)

Attendance: The seminar was attended by over 60 participants, including representatives from various sectors of Qatar such as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Ministry of Municipality, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Earthna, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar University, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Museums, Exxon Mobil, members of the diplomatic corps, and local news agencies.

As part of this event, the Royal Thai Embassy was hosting an exhibition at the Earthna Village 2025, which showcased Thailand’s journey towards sustainable development through display of sustainable and upcycle products from the Doi Tung Development Project and community products from Thai mangrove forests. This exhibition highlighted the achievements of community-driven development and empowerment, balancing heritage and innovation while demonstrating how locals could contribute to sustainable development.

This initiative underscores the Royal Thai Embassy’s steadfast commitment to global sustainability initiatives and aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030. The seminar was not only highlighted Thailand’s exemplary sustainability and eco-tourism models but also fostered deeper bilateral collaboration between Thailand and Qatar in environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, and climate resilience.

For more information, please contact: Royal Thai Embassy, Doha

Contact Person: Mr. Tanpong Wongboongird, Second Secretary

Mobile/WhatsApp: (+974) 5117 7849 E-mail: [email protected]