Engaging with CSR Expert Anchalee Arunsaeng in the "Cultivating Seedlings into a Forest" Activity, Part of the "Planting Forests in the Hearts of People According to the King's Philosophy" Project.

The "Planting Forests in the Hearts of People According to the King's Philosophy" Project: A Collaborative Effort to Restore and Protect Bangkok's Coastal Mangroves

This project, initiated in response to the royal initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX), aims to conserve and develop the mangrove forests of Bang Khun Thian. By addressing coastal erosion and restoring the ecological integrity of these vital ecosystems, the project seeks to create a sustainable future for both the environment and the local community.

Through collaborative efforts, the project will:

• Protect and restore the mangrove forests: This involves planting new mangrove trees, rehabilitating degraded areas, and implementing measures to prevent further erosion.
• Enhance biodiversity: By restoring the health of the mangrove ecosystem, the project will provide a haven for diverse marine life, including fish and crustaceans.
• Promote ecotourism: The project will develop the area as an ecotourism destination, raising awareness about the importance of mangrove conservation and generating income for the local community.

This initiative exemplifies the King's philosophy of sustainable development, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental protection, community well-being, and economic prosperity. By working together, stakeholders can ensure the long-term health of Bangkok's coastal ecosystems and create a model for mangrove conservation in urban areas.

The "Seedlings for Forests" initiative brought together over 250 volunteers from Central Group's management and staff, as well as network partners, to plant mangroves on a 13-rai plot over a three-year period. The goal is to plant 10,400 mangrove seedlings, with follow-up monitoring every 3-6 months. In addition to mangrove planting, the activity also included mangrove seed ball making, seedling cultivation, and coastal cleanup.

A significant factor in the success of this event, in addition to the visible figures, is the presence of several noteworthy individuals behind the scenes. Today, we will be speaking with Ms. Anchalee Arunsaeng, also known as Ms. On, one of the executives of World iDea Co., Ltd., a general event management company that has increasingly focused on and prioritized environmental issues. In her executive role, she has worked on a wide range of projects, including the initiation of CSR initiatives for various organizations.

Today, we have the opportunity to speak with her about the mangrove conservation efforts of the "Seedlings for the Forest" initiative, which she has been instrumental in overseeing.

Aon - Anchalee Arunsaeng

"My career began as an intern at World Idea Co., Ltd. in 2009. After graduating with a Master's degree in Marketing from NIDA, I started as a staff member, handling various tasks related to operations. Currently, I hold a management position in the Events Department."

World Idea Company is celebrating its 12th anniversary this year, having been established in 2006. Initially, the company's operations were not solely focused on CSR, but rather encompassed a diverse range of business ventures. However, with the arrival of (Mr. Aun), the company's focus shifted towards CSR, while other ventures, including CSR, entertainment, and various others, remain active within the company's portfolio.

One of the factors that has allowed us to adapt the scope of our business is our own concern about the changing economic climate. While the event industry is relatively easy to enter, we have a unique approach to our work. Having been involved from the very beginning, we are committed to doing everything we can and learning on our own. This allows us to understand the problems and customer needs, and we strive to meet them directly. We are passionate about our work and are not worried about it disappearing. We do our best, solve any problems that arise, and communicate with our customers. This commitment has allowed us to overcome the challenges of a changing economy and reach our 12th year.

We anticipate remaining in the events industry for the foreseeable future. However, we acknowledge the need to adapt our business model to align with current societal trends. This includes expanding our online presence and offering knowledge-based training programs to corporations. While we pursue these new ventures, we remain committed to maintaining the core of our events business.

In today's world, where environmental awareness is on the rise, we believe that a healthy environment leads to a better world. This is why we focus on environmental initiatives, as we see it as the most impactful contribution we can make to society.

Personally, I have always been passionate about environmental work due to my love for nature. Working in this field can be stressful, but engaging in environmental activities, such as planting trees, collecting garbage, and restoring coral reefs, provides a sense of relaxation and fulfillment. This is why I am dedicated to environmental causes and find immense satisfaction in contributing to a greener future.

The mangrove planting project was a lot of fun. We got to go out into the field and see firsthand how much we take for granted. It's really important for the country and for Bangkok. It was good to get involved and contribute to both the community and the environment. It might have been tiring at first, but it was worth it. It might take a long time, but we're sure it will be worth it in the end.

Social welfare may be a long-term approach that we will continue to pursue after environmental development. However, we need to consider which direction we should take in this area.

As previously mentioned, the CSR business sector is nearing saturation, and we must remain active within the industry. This implies that, given the current economic climate, we must expand our business lines. We have currently branched out into training and knowledge provision for businesses and individuals seeking training opportunities. We have planned and developed various courses, including online marketing, with plans extending to the end of next year (2019). We are well-prepared in this area, and if successful, it will serve as a positive business strategy, propelling the company forward.

Mangrove Planting

The coastal areas of Bangkok are currently facing the problem of seawater erosion in the Bang Khun Thian district on the Gulf of Thailand side. Due to strong waves and currents, the original coastline has been eroded over a total length of more than 5.2 kilometers, resulting in the loss of more than 3,000 rai of land. Residents who previously lived in the area have had to evacuate 2 kilometers inland from the original Bangkok boundary. The problem of seawater erosion of the Thai coastline is a serious and major issue. In the past, Thailand has lost more than 100,000 rai of land due to coastal erosion, with an estimated land value of 100 billion baht. This incident has caused damage to the mangrove ecosystem, which is a food source and nursery for aquatic animals. The mangrove forest is home to as many as 74 species of animals.

The disappearance of mangrove forests would lead to the extinction of numerous animal species, impacting the local environment and jeopardizing the livelihoods of nearby communities. The lack of effective measures to address this issue has resulted in its worsening over the years. The "Planting Forests in the Hearts of People According to the King's Philosophy" project aims to provide a sustainable solution to this problem by restoring and preserving the Bangkok Sea.