Bangkok, Thailand – On 26 & 27 September 2024, the Sustainable Use of Peatland and Haze Mitigation in ASEAN (SUPA) Project, spearheaded by GIZ with support from the European Union and the German government, hosted a landmark policy dialogue under the theme ‘Unlocking Local Solutions’. This event, organised in partnership with the Faculty of Political Science at Thammasat University, brought together a diverse range of stakeholders to generate impactful solutions for sustainable peatland management, forest fire prevention, and transboundary haze mitigation in Thailand, laying the groundwork for future-focused environmental strategies.

Broad Participation to Break Policy Barriers and Forge New Solutions

With experts from government agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and local communities, the dialogue facilitated dynamic discussions focused on dismantling policy barriers and promoting innovation. This event underscored the need for comprehensive, multi-stakeholder collaboration to confront the challenges of peatland management and environmental protection effectively.

“This policy dialogue offers a critical space for stakeholders, particularly those at the local level, to share practical solutions for sustainable peatland management,” said Thawatchai Palakhamarn, Head of the SUPA Project in Thailand, during his opening remarks. “Collaboration between government agencies, academia, and local communities is vital to addressing the complex challenges of forest fires and haze, while promoting sustainable peatland use in the long term.”

Throughout a series of expert-led sessions, participants engaged in in-depth exploration of complex subjects, including the socio-economic impacts of peatland policies, the intricacies of political barriers in achieving sustainable management, and the critical role of regional cooperation in addressing transboundary environmental issues. The interactive format encouraged participants to exchange insights with experienced experts, empowering them with tools and approaches to creatively tackle Thailand’s environmental challenges.

Empowering Youth: The Catalyst for Environmental Change

A highlight of the event was the prominent role given to youth participants, reflecting SUPA’s commitment to empowering the next generation of environmental leaders. Dedicated workshops offered young people a platform to collaborate with experienced professionals, fostering cross-generational dialogue and enabling them to share their unique perspectives on environmental policy and sustainable development.

“Youth involvement is essential to shaping policies that will impact their futures,” emphasised Dr Wasin Punthong, Academic Lead from Thammasat University. “We need fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to address the environmental issues that Thailand and the ASEAN region are facing.” The inclusion of youth voices underscored a shift toward more inclusive policy development, highlighting that young people are not only impacted by environmental challenges but are also a key to driving effective and sustainable solutions.

Unlocking Pathways to a Sustainable Future

The dialogue extended beyond traditional discussions, incorporating hands-on activities and workshops that equipped participants with practical skills to craft scalable policies. Workshop sessions encouraged forward-thinking strategies that align with Thailand’s long-term environmental goals, providing concrete policy recommendations that could be scaled and adapted across the ASEAN region.

The SUPA Project’s policy dialogue marks a significant milestone in advancing sustainable environmental practices and building resilience in Thailand. By fostering inclusive platforms that promote multi-stakeholder collaboration, SUPA continues to fortify policy frameworks that support sustainability and climate resilience. This commitment to action-oriented dialogue and practical solutions positions SUPA as a driving force for a more adaptable and environmentally responsible future in Thailand and across ASEAN.