Banpu joins Mahidol in organizing Power Green Camp 12 with the aim of balancing economics, community and biodiversity Helping students to learn environmental science through field trips and ecotourism
Banpu Public Company Limited, a leading Asian Energy Company that is driven towards social sustainability, is collaborating with the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University in hosting the 12th Power Green Camp on the theme ‘Balancing economics, community and biodiversity towards Thailand 4.0’. Seventy students from Grades 10 and 11 with science majors have been selected from a nationwide candidate pool of 429 for the camp, which runs from 6-13 October 2017. This year, in addition to underlining the concept ‘Envi-science: Learning through actions’, the camp also offers students the chance to experience biodiversity through field trips, business operations and community living, all key components in economic development and local employment. The discovery and specification of biodiversity through technology that encourage a healthy balance between business operations, environmental conservation and community development are also addressed in the context of building sustainability.
The students are spending time in Chonburi and Rayong provinces, home to a wide range of industries, agricultural practices and tourist attractions, and rich in both flora and fauna. The two provinces are also the centers of several information technology departments including the THEOS Control & Receiving Station, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization) and Space Inspirium, a space learning center, all of which offer opportunities to learn, analyze and adapt biodiversity management in building a better balance for the country.
Ms. Udomlux Olarn, Head of Corporate Affairs, Banpu Public Company Limited said, “Banpu always focuses on and emphasizes biodiversity through its business operation and Power Green Camp. These are directly linked with the Sustainability and Biodiversity policies of the company, which draw up the guidelines to manage and prevent business activities from negatively impacting the environment in both the short and long term, and promote a balanced and beneficial coexistence between society and biodiversity. We have also developed biodiversity knowledge for young people, who are the future of our country, helping them to recognize the importance of biodiversity and apply their learning to change and develop community, society and the environment. They will also learn how to preserve and maximize the ecosystem for optimum living. This is in line with our belief that learning is the power for change and development.”
All 70 students in Power Green Camp 12 will participate in a number of activities that cover both the theoretical and practical aspects of biodiversity including its value and utilization, plant use in coastal areas and mangroves and the application of remote survey techniques to manage sustainable biodiversity by a qualified staff of teachers. They will also have a chance to attend a special seminar on the topic “The cooperation between industry and the community in the development of environmental management based on biodiversity and sustainability” facilitated by entrepreneurs with a keen interest in biodiversity such as Dr. Nonn Panitvong, freshwater fish expert and Ms. Isawan Sutthinark, fashion designer and travel specialist who has created an equitable balance between business, environment and social responsibility through her environmental conservation tour agency, Suntan Tour, by giving opportunities for the Moken to work.
One of the most important destinations on this trip is the home of Pak Khlong Ta Guan Small Boat Fishing Group and BLCP Power Limited, a joint venture between Banpu Company Limited and Electricity Generating Public Company Limited. The area offers a good example of balanced coexistence between business, community and biodiversity.
Associate Professor Rattanawat Chaiyarat, President of the 12th Power Green Camp said, “Thailand is home to one of the largest biodiversity hotspots in the world. Instilling knowledge of this among young people who will become the driving force of the nation in the future will play a significant role in creating a strong foundation for developing countries. This year, Mahidol University has brought teachers who specialize in environmental sciences to advise the students in both the theoretical and practical aspects and inspire them to learn through doing. The activities also help shape structured and creative thinking, which will lead them to come up with innovations for the future. This is in line with the Thailand 4.0 policy that seeks to maximize human abilities in creating sustainable benefits for the country in every way.”
After theoretical and practical learning, students will present their group projects to the Camp’s Committee and the public at an environmental science exhibition on 12 October 2017. The winners will take home a scholarship worth 30,000 Baht.
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About Power Green Camp
The Power Green Camp was established in 2006 through the collaboration of the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, and Banpu Public Company Limited with the objective to equip high school students with knowledge about environmental science and the ability to apply it logically in real life, while building strong principles towards sustainable environmental preservation. The camp targets high school students in grade 10 and 11 studying in science fields, nationwide.
About Banpu Public Company Limited
BANPU is a pioneering Asian energy company, operating business in coal, power generation, and integrated energy sectors in nine countries; Thailand, Indonesia, China, Australia, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Singapore, Japan and the United States of America.
“Learning is the Power of Change and Development”
Banpu’s CSR activities are based on our firm belief that “learning is the power of change and development” for people and society by emphasizing the promotion and development of continued “learning” among young people and communities in a number of ways. Banpu supports sustainable development of communities and society through a variety of learning opportunities for both individuals and teams, ranging from daily real-life experiences both in- and outside classrooms, to hands-on practices which enhance capabilities and skills.
