Khon Kaen University Organises Seminar to Drive Educational Botanic Gardens Programme under RDPB Guidelines

17 February 2026
21:04

The KKU RDPB Coordination Centre strengthens cooperation with educational institutions to promote plant conservation and sustainable resource utilization.

On 17 February 2026, the RDPB (Royal Development Project Board) Coordination Centre – Khon Kaen University organised a knowledge exchange seminar titled, “Driving the Implementation of the Royal Initiative: The Educational Botanic Gardens Programme.”

The event took place at Sirikunakorn Meeting Room 3, 2nd Floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen Province. Administrators from educational institutions, teachers, educational personnel, and representatives from relevant organisations attended the event.

Mr. Yutthaphon Phirunsan, Vice Governor of Khon Kaen Province.

Professor Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability at Khon Kaen University

Official Opening Ceremony

During the opening ceremony, Professor Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability at Khon Kaen University, delivered a welcoming address to the seminar participants. The event was officially opened by Mr. Yutthaphon Phirunsan, Vice Governor of Khon Kaen Province.

The seminar was convened to enhance understanding regarding the guidelines for operating Educational Botanic Gardens in alignment with the Royal Initiative Project for the Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources (RDPB). Participants had the honour of hearing a lecture on “Guidelines for Operating Educational Botanic Gardens under the RDPB Framework,” delivered by Dr. Piyarasd Parinya-Pong Charoensap, Assistant Director and Secretary of the RDPB Committee. Dr. Piyarasd also offered practical recommendations to the participating educational institutions.

Following this, Associate Professor Juthaporn Sawaengkaew, Deputy Director of the RDPB Coordination Centre – Khon Kaen University, presented on “The Role of the RDPB Coordination Centre – Khon Kaen University.” Her session clarified the university’s support mechanisms and cooperation guidelines for networking with educational institutions across the region.

Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration

The afternoon programme featured a panel discussion focusing on “Membership Application and Operation of Educational Botanic Gardens.” The panel included experts and representatives from associated sectors: Dr. Piyarasd Parinya-Pong Charoensap, Assistant Director of RDPB and Secretary of the RDPB Committee; Mr. Sudjai Onruecha, Deputy Provincial Education Officer of Khon Kaen Province; and Mrs. Supaphan Singkornart, Deputy Director of Academic Administration at Srisangwal Khon Kaen School. The session provided an interactive setting where attendees could exchange knowledge, raise questions, and receive close consultation.

Furthermore, an exhibition showcasing the work of the Educational Botanic Gardens at Srisangwal Khon Kaen School was displayed. The exhibition communicated the concrete operational results and served as a tangible model for driving these activities within educational settings.

The seminar served as an important platform for strengthening collaborative networks among educational institutions in Khon Kaen and neighbouring provinces. By enhancing understanding of RDPB operational guidelines, the initiative supports schools in effectively implementing Educational Botanic Gardens programmes, contributing to the sustained conservation and responsible use of plant genetic resources in accordance with the Royal Initiative.