NSTDA, in collaboration with partners, recently hosted the International Conference on Biodiversity (IBD2023) on 12-13 December 2023 at Suan Luang Rama IX in Bangkok. The conference was inaugurated by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Three keynote lectures were presented during the inaugural session:

• “North-South Collaboration on Biodiversity Research – Targeting Flora of Thailand” by Prof. Henrik Balslev, Aarhus University, Denmark and Co-Editors-in-Chief of the Flora of Thailand Project
• “Role of the Singapore Botanic Gardens in Nature Conservation” by Prof. Puay Yok Tan, Group Director of Singapore Botanic Gardens, National Parks Board, Singapore
• “Biodiversity Makes a Better Life for Thai People” by Prof. Sanit Aksornkoae, Board Member of the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park and Chairman of the National Economic and Social Development Council, Thailand

After the inaugural session, Princess Sirindhorn visited the exhibition hall, viewing exhibits arranged by the following organizations: Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Chitralada Technology Institute, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, PTT Reforestation and Ecology Institute, Thailand Business Council for Sustainable Development, Office of the Royal Development Projects Board, Program Management Unit for Competitiveness, Electricity Generating Public Company Limited, Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office, National Research Council of Thailand, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning.

IBD2023 was co-organized by Suan Luang Foundation Rama IX, Chaipattana Foundation, Office of the Royal Development Projects Board, International Mangrove Botanical Garden Rama IX, National Economic and Social Development Council, Kasetsart University, Chitralada Technology Institute, National Research Council of Thailand, NSTDA, and Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office. Held under the theme “Biodiversity: Key to Better Life”, the conference brought together people from biodiversity-related communities to share their expertise, knowledge, and experience in various aspects, ranging from ecosystem conservations to climate change and sustainable bioresource utilization.

In addition to the above-mentioned keynote lectures, IBD2023 scientific conference featured over 100 oral and poster presentations in the following sub-themes: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation and Services, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Biodiversity and BCG Economy Models, and Biodiversity and International Collaboration. The conference was attended by over 600 local and international participants.