Restore Orchids to the Natural Forest

      The project “Restoring Thai Orchids to Natural Habitats” is a proactive conservation effort initiated by the Faculty of Science and Arts, Burapha University, Chanthaburi Campus. It represents another role of educational institutions in plant genetic conservation. The project held on Jan 30, 2024 and aims to raise awareness and encourage participation in conserving rare orchid species, recognizing their value, and taking responsibility for conserving natural heritage to enhance the value of forests as natural and educational resources. Moreover, it seeks to increase knowledge and understanding, as well as raise awareness of the importance of conserving rare orchid species for future generations. Rare forest orchids, such as Dendrobium crumenatum, Eulophia spectabilis, Eulophia guineensis, and Renanthera imschootiana, propagated through teaching, learning, and research activities by agricultural technology students specializing in plant tissue culture, are being reintroduced into natural forests. This reintroduction is done in collaboration with community leaders, including village elders, Village Health Volunteers, and Elephant Conservation Volunteers, fostering good networks and friendships between the university and the community.

      The aims of this project.

  1. To bring wild orchids, such as Dendrobium, Rhynchostylis, and Vanda, to be planted in natural forests.
  2. To cultivate awareness of the value and responsibility for conserving natural heritage.                               

       The impact resulting from the project can return more than 100 saplings of wild bananas back to the natural forest. It fosters awareness and participation in the conservation of rare banana species, understanding their value, and taking responsibility for preserving natural heritage to create value for the forest, establish it as a natural science education resource, and enhance knowledge and understanding, while also raising awareness of the importance of conserving rare banana species for future generations.

 

Project Leader: Faculty of Science and Arts