Kittipong Bunlear – Page 19 – Walailak University Sustainable Development

07Feb 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

WU Social Engagement: Innovation of field surveys and plants data collection in old-growth forest areas in the case of Walailak University Botanical Park

Outreach and Engagement WU Social Engagement: Innovation of field surveys and plants data collection in old-growth forest areas in the case of Walailak University Botanical Park The expansion of urban, agricultural, and industrial areas in Thailand has rapidly reduced forested regions across the country, significantly impacting the biodiversity of plant species. Many plant species are disappearing from various areas, affecting not only the ecosystem but also diminishing traditional knowledge of natural resources. The Walailak University Botanical Garden has been entrusted with the mission of conserving and promoting natural resources under the Royal Initiative Plant genetic conservation project under the royal initiative of her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The project emphasizes three frameworks and eight activities, with the first activity focusing on the protection of resources within the learning…

07Feb 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

WU’s Policy on Ending Discrimination in the Workplace

Sustainability and Stewardship

Sustainability and Stewardship In 2024, Walailak University issued its Policy on Employment and Labor Management, B.E. 2567 (2024) to ensure that all staff are safeguarded against discrimination of any kind. This policy underscores the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. The recruitment process at Walailak University is designed to welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, non-Buddhists, middle-aged candidates, and others. All employees are entitled to fair treatment and equal benefits, irrespective of their religion, sexual orientation, gender, age, or refugee status. In 2024, the university hosted more than 40 international staff members, comprising researchers and lecturers from various countries, including Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Ghana, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, the United States, England, South Africa, Turkey, Canada, Myanmar, and the Netherlands. Special support is extended to…

07Feb 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

Accessible Facilities Improvement and Measures for Supporting Disabled People

Sustainability and Stewardship

Sustainability and Stewardship Since signing an academic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance the livelihoods of disabled individuals, Walailak University has continuously improved its facilities and support services to promote inclusivity. The university mandates the inclusion of facilities for disabled individuals in all newly constructed buildings, ensuring accessibility for everyone. All buildings on campus are equipped with physical facilities made to enable people with disabilities to participate in university life in all forms, including physical, emotional, mental, academic, and employment. Office buildings feature wheelchair ramps for students and staff accessing the offices, as well as accessible toilets, disability signage, and designated parking areas. The Center for Library Resources and Educational Media, a key learning hub for students, staff, and the public, is equipped with wheelchair ramps, accessible toilets, braille blocks,…

07Feb 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

Promoting Educational Access among International Students from Developing Countries

Sustainability and Stewardship

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University (WU) deeply recognizes the importance of equality in educational access among international students to foster a diverse and inclusive academic environment. Ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue higher education is fundamental to our mission. WU is committed to providing the necessary support systems, including scholarships, language programs, and cultural integration initiatives, to help international students thrive. The WU International College is one of the organizations that is responsible for assisting undergraduate international students to complete their education while the College of Graduate Studies is responsible for graduate students. In 2024, more than 170 international students studied at WU across all levels. These students came from Myanmar, Vietnam, China, Zimbabwe, the Philippines, Uganda, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bhutan, and Egypt. They had equal…

07Feb 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

Walailak University offers Free Educational Outreach: Low-Carbon Tourism for Sustainability in the “Nipa Palm” Agricultural Area of Khanap Nak Community, Pak Panang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Outreach and Engagement

Outreach and Engagement Walailak University offers Free Educational Outreach: Low-Carbon Tourism for Sustainability in the "Nipa Palm" Agricultural Area of Khanap Nak Community, Pak Panang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province On August 3, 2024, the School of Management at Walailak University organized a field study program to provide free educational opportunities to local community members about low-carbon tourism in the agricultural area "Nipa Palm" in the Khanab Naak community, Pak Phanang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand, in order to promote tourism and sustainability. The School of Management has carried out four major activities, as follows: 1. Preliminary survey of needs for tourism activities that promote sustainability of the agricultural area "Nipa Palm" Since June 2024, the School of Management, led by Dr. Sukhuman Klamsaengsai, has surveyed the needs of…

04Nov 2024 by Kittipong Bunlear

Sustainable Management Strategy of Aquatic Resources in Pak Panang River Basin and Bandon Bay, the Large Watershed Areas Located Nearby Walailak University

Uncategorized

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University (WU) has actively developed and implemented a watershed management strategy for the Pak Phanang River Basin and Bandon Bay, watershed areas located close to Walailak University. WU has emerged as a leader in implementing watershed and aquatic resource management strategies to protect Southern Thailand’s unique ecological regions, emphasizing specific diversity of aquatic species. By 2023, WU completed the development and application of two comprehensive management strategies: the watershed management plan for the Pak Phanang River Basin (Freshwater ecosystem) and the aquatic resource management plan for Bandon Bay (Marine Ecosystem). These strategies prioritize sustainable ecosystem practices, biodiversity conservation, and community resilience. Through rigorous research, cross-sector collaboration, and direct community involvement, WU has crafted location-specific solutions that align with its mission to support both environmental sustainability and…

04Nov 2024 by Kittipong Bunlear

Collaborative Conservation: Walailak University’s Crab Bank Initiative for Sustainable Management of Shared Coastal Ecosystems

Blue Swimming Crab2025

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University (WU), in partnership with local fishing communities and various stakeholders, has launched a groundbreaking initiative to restore blue swimming crab populations along Thailand’s coast. Known as the "Crab Bank" project, this community-centered program seeks to address the urgent need for sustainable fishery practices amid declining marine resources. With blue swimming crabs being one of Thailand’s top seafood exports, the depletion of this resource has far-reaching effects on the economy, food security, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. By combining research, stakeholder collaboration, and local community engagement, WU’s ongoing project aims to protect and maintain Thailand's shared coastal and aquatic ecosystems and secure a sustainable future for the fishing industry. Thailand’s coastal regions are home to diverse marine species, providing crucial protein and income for many…

04Nov 2024 by Kittipong Bunlear

Ongoing Programs Promoting Good Aquatic Stewardship Practices

Uncategorized

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University (WU) enthusiastically develops and supports programs to promote sustainable practices in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, aiming to foster environmental stewardship in alignment with global standards. Two significant ongoing programs, focused on encouraging and maintaining blue swimming crab rehabilitation and sustainable tilapia aquaculture, serve as prime examples of the university’s commitment to advancing good aquatic stewardship. 1. Blue Swimming Crab Fishery: Advancing Sustainable Practices in Aquatic Restoration Stewardship Spanning six years, 2018-2024, WU’s ongoing project on blue swimming crab rehabilitation in Bandon Bay, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee achieved remarkable progress in raising fishery standards according to the Fishery Improvement Program (FIP) framework. Recognized by Thailand’s Agricultural Research Development Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, this project has been hailed as…

04Nov 2024 by Kittipong Bunlear

Advancing Innovative Monitoring Strategy on the Health of Aquatic Ecosystem through Technology and Community Engagement

Uncategorized

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University (WU) actively protects and monitors the health of aquatic ecosystems through various scientific approaches. Strategically located near important marine and freshwater resources, WU is dedicated to tracking the health of ecosystems in nearby zones. This commitment includes using advanced technologies like GIS, remote sensing, CTD sensor networks, and UAV drones. The following sections outline WU's ecosystem monitoring initiatives for 2023, which cover the area of Bandon Bay, Phuket’s coral reefs, Nakhon Si Thammarat. 1. Monitoring Bandon Bay Using GIS and Remote Sensing Located near WU, Bandon Bay is vital to local communities and marine biodiversity. During 2018-2023, WU researchers have partnered with government agencies and the industry sector, the Thai Frozen Foods Association (TFFA) to conduct extensive studies funded by the National Research Council of…

04Nov 2024 by Kittipong Bunlear

Walailak University’s Plans to Strengthen Blue Crab Conservation and Conserve Marine Ecosystem through National and International Collaboration

Blue Swimming Crab2025

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University (WU) has made significant plans to minimize the alteration of aquatic ecosystems, and foster sustainable fisheries management, particularly focusing on the blue swimming crab population in Ban Don Bay, which is the related aquatic ecosystem of the campus. In 2023, Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee, a prominent figure in WU’s School of Science and a member of the National Scientific and Technical Committee, played a central role in developing and advising sustainable fishery policies and plans. Dr. Sawusdee’s contributions include his active involvement in research and policy development under the Thai Fishery Improvement Project (FIP), which aligns closely with the university’s broader efforts to combat overfishing and mitigate the environmental impacts of unsustainable practices in Thai waters.In addition to national-level initiatives, WU has collaborated extensively…

Author: Kittipong Bunlear