Getting on the ground at RUCaS case study sites – Bangkok, Thailand

Our international and national team members were on the ground at On Nut in Bangkok in May, to better understand the site and the groups with a stake in transforming it into a multifunctional green space.

On Nut is the first case study for the DFAT-funded Resilient Urban Centres and Surrounds program. Our vision is to work with Thai colleagues to transform an urban landfill site into a multifunctional forest and wetland park that provides recreational and environmental benefits.

Our team was pleased to join Bangkok’s Deputy Governor Professor Wisanu Subsompon, Australian Ambassador for Climate Change Kristin Tilley and project stakeholders – the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), PTT Global Chemical and Kasetsart University – on a tour of the future On Nut forest park site. Our engagement with the site seeks to demonstrate the community, economic and environmental case for water sensitive interventions including an urban forest, and a wetland and open water to store treated water for irrigation and detain water during flooding events.

The concepts for On Nut were endorsed by the Thai Steering Committee, which met for the first time in May. The steering committee comprises representatives from key government agencies. Our thanks to Dr Purin Saiyastipanich (ONEP Secretary General) who chairs the committee, which also includes representatives from the BMA, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), the National Economics and Social Development Council (NESDC), the Ministry of the Interior, the State Railways of Thailand (SRT), the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), the Provincial Administration Organization Council of Thailand (PAOC) and the Australian Embassy in Thailand.

While he was in Bangkok, RUCaS Program Lead Ben Furmage attended the United Nations ESCAP 79th Commission Session in Bangkok, at the invitation of DFAT. He presented at a side event – From Vulnerability to Resilience: Approaches to Climate Adaptation in Asia and the Pacific – discussing the importance of place based solutions, sustainable funding, upscaling and the RUCaS program.

You can read more about our activities in the country mission report, available here.

We will be sharing insights on how we can use nature-based solutions to create climate-resilient and inclusive urban centres at our RUCaS Regional Conference,
to be held later in the year. Keep an eye out for updates.