Over 700 years of history have forged a deep connection between Chiang Mai residents and Doi Suthep, which holds cultural, religious, and spiritual significance. Initially a source of water, timber, and wild resources, Doi Suthep has evolved into one of the country's premier tourist destinations, crucial to the local economy. However, encroachment and damage to its flora and fauna highlight the need for CMU to leverage its expertise and technology to ensure the sustainability of these natural resources.
Fifty years ago, Thailand saw a troubling annual increase of six percent in the destruction of natural areas. This alarming rate, coupled with soil erosion and the loss of indigenous flora and fauna due to wildfires, prompted the establishment of the Forest Restoration Research Unit (FORRU-CMU). Comprising ecologists and students from the Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science, FORRU-CMU is dedicated to researching techniques and methods for forest and ecological restoration to conserve biodiversity and the environment. The unit also investigates the carbon storage capacity of restored forests, sharing its findings through workshops for interested individuals and organisations.
Dr. Stephen Elliott, a co-founder, highlighted that forest restoration is a lengthy and intricate process demanding systematic efforts to protect ecosystems and enhance the well-being of communities in degraded areas. To support biodiversity recovery and address climate change, FORRU-CMU employs several key methods, including analysing forest ecosystem samples and storing seeds for planting and seedling development. Drone technology is used to capture high-angle images for comparing the structural recovery and biodiversity of restoration plots with naturally restored areas, and it holds promise for future seeding applications on restoration sites.
In addition to restoration purposes, exploring traditions and culture through historical sites with astronomical techniques will provide valuable data for historical and archaeological research. This approach not only connects people with their past but also fosters a sense of pride and belonging to their hometown. An integrated study of the orientation of Wat Phra-Tat Doi Suthep’s ordination hall revealed that its axis is aligned at 59.74 degrees north, with the hall’s front facing 30.26 degrees northeast. This alignment does not correspond with the positions of the sun or moon. Simulation and calculation based on the temple’s history in 1537 revealed that the alignment corresponds with the rising of Corona Borealis, also known as the Khop Dong star or Visakha constellation, which marks the Visakha month. One of the researchers, Assistant Professor Dr. Siramas Komonjinda of the Physics and Material Science Department, explained that this alignment with the Lanna calendar, where the Visakha month is the time when Chiang Mai locals ascend the mountain to honour Wat Phra-Tat Doi Suthep, reflects the enduring harmony between humans, nature, and culture. Science, thus, serves to enhance our understanding of cultural heritage and national wisdom.
As the understanding and appreciation of Doi Suthep drives its conservation efforts, the Doi Suthep Nature Centre at CMU serves as a hub where scholars apply their extensive knowledge and expertise to organise activities related to Doi Suthep. These activities, which encompass fields such as ecology, population ecology, and ornithology, are designed for people of all ages. The director, Associate Professor Dr. Prasit Wangpakapattanawong, explained that their missions encompass all aspects of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park with the focus on academic service to help educate and promote awareness to the community on environmental conservation, particularly in the Doi Suthep area.
The Doi Suthep Nature Centre provides a variety of educational resources, including permanent and temporary exhibitions, a seed bank, and services and events for young people. Additionally, it functions as a tourism service centre with nature interpretation services. This will foster a network and environment for learning that supports eco-friendliness and fosters an environmental conservation mindset.