On 3-5 April 2018, the School of Science at MFU held the 2nd Ethnobotany Conference to strengthen the academic network in the field of ethnobotany and to provide a venue for Thai researchers, entrepreneurs, students, the government and the public sector across the nation to present their research advances and share their knowledge and innovations. In addition, this forum sought to promote learning and foster collaboration between all sectors. The conference was also expected to provide inspiration and guidance on how to better grow their ethnobotany businesses.
The Vice President of Mae Fah Luang University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chayaporn Wattanasiri said in the opening ceremony that for 20 years, Mae Fah Luang University has committed itself to fulfilling the aspirations of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra in “Restoring the Forest to Improve Human Livelihoods” focusing on producing graduates with knowledge, quality and virtue. The university has developed the human resources to enhance the improvement of the economy and the well-being of the people in the northern Thailand and the Greater Mekong Subregions.
The MFU Botanical Garden project was established to celebrate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th Birthday Anniversary. The garden has a mission to become a centre of natural learning with a rich variety of plants from Thailand and aboard in its collection. Furthermore, the garden emphasizes on conserving the rare plants of Thailand and displaying of a wide range of plants in different subordinate gardens. In the Herb Garden, more than 330 various species of 5,000 plants were planted for students and the general public to study the benefits and uses of Thai herbs.
The study of the benefits and uses of Thai herbs is a starting point of developing herbal plants for commercial application under the collaboration between the School of Science, the School of Health Science and the School of Cosmetic Science. Through high-standard research and furtherance of existing innovations and knowledge, the three Schools transform the natural extracts into high-quality medicines and cosmetics. Chao Khun Wan is one of Thai herbal products originating from MFU’s research which has received the positive feedback from many customers.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chayaporn added that MFU will collaborate and exchange good practices with educational institutions, local communities, the private sector and the government to develop and move Thai ethnobotanical research forward.
