On 11-14 November 2019, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chayaporn Wattanasiri, President of Mae Fah Luang University and Dr. Panate Manomaivibool, the Head of a research group Circular Economy for Waste-free Thailand (CEWT) participated in the SEA of Solutions 2019 at the United Nations Convention Center (UNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand.
SEA of Solutions 2019 is the first annual partnership week convened by SEA circular – an initiative from the UN Environment Programme and the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA), with support from the Swedish Government. SEA circular works in partnership with governments, businesses, civil society, development partners, academia, UN agencies in South East Asia and the media to reduce plastic leakage into the marine environment and to solve plastic pollution.
Mekong River is identified as one of the top 10 most polluting rivers that contribute the majority of the plastic that ends up in the world’s oceans. As the university located in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), MFU has recognized this issue. In the plenary session on ‘Voices for solutions to the plastic pollution conundrum’, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chayaporn Wattanasiri shared the active roles of MFU in conducting research, developing new innovations and promoting the circular economy in order to address the plastic pollution conundrum in the region.
In addition, Dr. Panate Manomaivibool, a lecturer from the School of Science shared his experience in the Transboundary movement of plastic waste session. MFU also held the exhibitions of the Chiang Rai Zero Waste project and the FLY Volunteers showcasing its determination and collaboration with Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Organization and schools in effectively promoting waste sorting, recycling and waste management in Chiang Rai province.
Altogether, MFU has given priority to circular economy and waste management policies in order to prevent marine plastic pollution in Thailand and the region and contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
