Banpu and Mahidol Host Power Green Camp 19 on “Urban Rewilding: Forests, Cities, Lives”

Banpu Public Company Limited, a prominent global energy provider, in collaboration with the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies at Mahidol University, launched the 19th iteration of the “Power Green Camp.” Themed “Urban Rewilding: Forest – Cities – Lives,” the camp aimed to integrate forests into urban settings, fostering a deeper connection to nature and advocating for environmental conservation through systematic approaches. The Power Green Camp took place from April 28 to May 4, 2024.

Mr. Rattapon Sukhunthee, Head of Corporate Communications at Banpu Public Company Limited, emphasized the significance of urban forests in promoting healthier urban environments. Urban forests play a vital role in mitigating pollution, reducing temperatures, providing recreational spaces, and fostering social interactions, ultimately contributing to the well-being of urban dwellers. Several Asian countries, including Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia, are actively promoting urban forests.

Under the captivating theme of “Urban Rewilding: Forest – Cities – Lives,” 50 students from 48 schools across 32 provinces engaged in a blend of theoretical learning and hands-on activities. The curriculum focused on conserving forest resources and restoring biodiversity in urban forests through the 3Rs model:

Reconnect: Activities such as “Decoding Predictions from the Trees,” “I Am Not Just a Villain,” and “Forest Bathing” facilitated students’ understanding of tree behavior, ecological indicators, and sensory connections with nature.

Restore: Students learned about carbon sequestration, the role of arborists in tree care, and guidelines for conserving and restoring biodiversity, with an emphasis on native tree species.

Redesign: Through lectures and activities like “Benchakitti Forest Park – From Urban Forest to World-Class Architecture” and “Youth Crafting Green Cities,” students explored systematic green city design and applied their knowledge to environmentally friendly city planning.

Associate Professor Dr. Thamarat Phutthai, lecturer at the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies and president of the Power Green Camp, highlighted the importance of urban forests in enhancing quality of life and addressing green space deficiencies in urban areas. The camp aimed to raise awareness among students and inspire them to advocate for urban forest conservation.

Furthermore, students will incorporate their camp learnings into environmental science group projects, which will be presented in a competition for scholarships and certificates, with mentorship from Mahidol University experts.

The Power Green Camp 19 featured guest speakers, including television star Neng Sarun Naraprasertkul, comedian and TV host Pingpong Thongchai Thongkanthom, and green influencer Gun Natsakan Chairote, who shared their environmental insights and inspired the younger generation to prioritize nature conservation.