Phetchaburi Province, Thailand – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Krungthai Bank are advancing sustainable finance and biodiversity conservation in Phetchaburi through a strategic collaboration. The initiative, led by UNDP’s Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, and Niamh Collier-Smith, UNDP Resident Representative in Thailand, alongside Krungthai Bank’s Krit Chamapisit, aims to restore mangrove forests and enhance biodiversity in the region.
A key milestone of the visit was the signing of a Letter of Intent between UNDP and Phetchaburi’s Governor, Police Lieutenant Popjanok Jalanugraha, under the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN). This agreement translates sustainability goals into action, tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and gender equality at the community level.
The delegation explored Baan Tham Rong Community, where local culture thrives around iconic toddy palm trees. As part of Krungthai Bank’s "Local Chef" project, Thailand’s Iron Chef "Chef Pruek" prepared signature dishes, highlighting sustainable local cuisine and reducing food miles. This initiative fosters circular economies and promotes cultural tourism while encouraging environmental conservation.
The visit also included Pak Thale Sub-district, a crucial salt farming and ecotourism hub that hosts the endangered Spoon-Billed Sandpiper during migration. To support biodiversity, the Pak Thale Ecotourism Information Center has been established with backing from UNDP-BIOFIN, Krungthai Bank, Raks Thai Foundation, and the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand. This center educates visitors on migratory bird conservation and sustainable living.
Furthering their commitment to biodiversity, Krungthai Bank, UNDP, and Raks Thai Foundation are expanding their partnership through the Public & Private Partnership for Investment in Sustainable Local Bioeconomy in Phetchaburi Province. This initiative, supported by Krungthai Bank’s Krungthai Loves Phetchaburi Project, focuses on developing community-based social enterprises that align with the bank’s vision of “Growing Together for Sustainability.”
By empowering local communities and enhancing biodiversity conservation, UNDP and Krungthai Bank are setting a precedent for sustainable development, ensuring a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
