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Dialogue Forum 3 l Year 4 Dam or No Dam? in the Country’s Natural World Heritage Sites (in Thai)
27 September, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
In times when society has become widened with gaps and differences of views and opinions, one issue could be escalated into a crisis if there are no platforms available for appropriate discussion among all concerned.
The media, while informing and inspiring their audience, could also take a role in educating and facilitating the public by providing such platforms to help “bridge the gap” and “connect the dots” to create the big picture for better understanding in the society.
Realising such critical roles, Bangkok Tribune in collaboration with its partners and with the support of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Thailand Office, every month comes up with a policy forum on critical development and environmental issues under the project, Dialogue Forum.
This is to facilitate and provide a space for discussions and exchanges of dialogues and views on development and environmental issues up to the policy level both in Thailand and the Mekong region. It therefore not only bridges the gap but also connects the dots, helping forge better understanding among the parties concerned and the public at large and encourage them to make a better decision about the issues or even find common ground or seek solutions together.
During the 44th meeting of the World Heritage Committee in 2021, the WHC resolved and noted with “utmost concern” on the renewed development of several dam projects within and adjacent to Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, reiterating its request to Thailand to permanently cancel plans for any construction of dams with reservoirs inside the property’s boundaries.
Furthermore, the WHC also requested Thailand to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the river basin, including the property, to inform management and future development proposals at the basin level, and that any proposals for dam projects around the property that may impact its OUV be suspended until the SEA has been completed and reviewed by the World Heritage Centre and IUCN.
On August 19 of the same year, the National World Heritage Committee chaired by Deputy PM Gen Prawit Wongsuwan at that time resolved to follow the WHC’s resolutions, but still, conservation organizations have recently learned that the Royal Irrigation Department has still been proceeding with some projects in the area including Khlong Maduea in Nakhon Nayok province, prompting strong opposition by them.
Such mega-projects in the World Heritage sites pose a critical challenge to the country’s management of those highly regarded sites and need serious discussions and dialogues among all concerned parties as well as the public to find the best management for the areas and for water resources in the future.
The Dialogue Forum would cordially like to invite you to take this opportunity to explore this challenge together at Dialogue Forum 3 l Year 4 Dam or No Dam? in the Country’s Natural World Heritage Sites (in Thai) on September 27, 2023, 10 am-12.30 pm at SEA-Junction, BACC’s building (4th Floor).
Objectives
- To produce critical and constructive content and policy recommendation that is of the public interest in order to raise public awareness and boost public knowledge and understanding as well as inspiration_all to mobilize desirable “social forces” that can help address issues of importance in society and sustain a free and fair society (Inform & Inspire)
- To create a space and body of in-depth knowledge as well as an innovative media platform (Dialogue Forum) that is independent and in-depth for the public (Indie & In-depth)
- To empower the public to be able to keep up with developments as well as repercussions in the society, and level up meaningful conversations and discussions for better understanding among the public here and abroad (Empowering)
- To promote public participation in problem-solving and decision-making processes (Inclusive & Participatory)
- To promote the development of innovative and constructive media so that it can remain open and accessible to all (Open & Accessible)
Partners
- plus, Thai PBS
- The Thai Society of Environmental Journalists (Thai SEJ)
- SEA-Junction
- Bangkok Tribune Online News Agency
Supported by
- Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Thailand Office
Contact
Piyaporn Wong l Bangkok Tribune coordinator: 089 920 8027/ b.tribune@bkktribune.com/ FB Messenger: Bangkok Tribune Newd
Please confirm in advance for a seat at the forum.
**Due to Covid-19, please comply with the relevant Covid-19 prevention and protection protocol. Mask-wearing and hygienic hand cleaning are encouraged throughout the event.
***You can also watch the event live via FB Live@ FB Page: Decode.plus, Thai SEJ (ชมรมนักข่าวสิ่งแวดล้อม), SEA-Junction, and Bangkok Tribune News
for more details please download the pdf file here
