Water, a vital element for ecosystems and all living beings, constitutes only about 3% of Earth’s total water, with saltwater making up the remaining 97%. Thailand has grappled with various water-related challenges, including droughts, floods, degrading water resources, and contamination from urban areas, industries, and agriculture in recent decades. To address these issues, collective efforts are needed to preserve the limited freshwater resources for future human use while maintaining environmental balance.
In a bid to inspire local youth groups to lead environmental reform and evolve into responsible citizens, Suntory Beverage and Food (Thailand) Company Limited, in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DEQP) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Environmental Education Centre (EEC), continues the third year of the Mizuiku Water Conservation Project. They do so by organising the ‘Water Conservation Camp,’ aiming to motivate Thai youth to safeguard their community’s environment and waterways, aligning with the national and international mission of “Save Water and Save Nature for a Sustainable Thailand.”
The Water Conservation Camp unfolds in Krabi province’s coastal region, where thirty teachers and students from Ban Ko Jum School in Nuea Khlong District and Ao Luek Prachasan School in Ao Luek District partake in an educational journey. They gain insights from the environmental classroom and learn about aquatic life and the natural marine environment in Maya Bay, fostering appreciation, protection, and conservation of local waterways among young individuals.
The Mizuiku water conservation project has been ongoing since 2021, primarily focused on educating people about water conservation and natural resource preservation. This year, the project aims to elevate water conservation efforts from the provincial to the national level, involving teachers and youth from four provinces and four regions. Activities include watershed preservation in Chiang Rai’s forests, water conservation awareness along the Mekong River in Ubon Ratchathani, emphasising water’s value through sea bass farming in Chachoengsao, and promoting environmental and water resource conservation in Krabi.
Mrs. Chongrak Thinagul, Director of the Climate Change Cooperation Promotion Division at DEQP, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, commented, “The Department of Climate Change and Environment has established a comprehensive strategy for advancing environmental education, encompassing various aspects within and beyond the education system. This aligns with Suntory Beverage and Food (Thailand) Company Limited’s mission, which is committed to promoting the Mizuiku Water Conservation Project and spreading environmental awareness, particularly among young people. The project has significantly expanded the understanding of ecosystems, water resources, and water management among young participants. Furthermore, it has developed competencies such as data collection, critical thinking, teamwork, environmental quality monitoring, and the capacity to create public relations materials through hands-on experiences. These skills enable youth to implement water conservation projects in their schools and serve as role models, leading water conservation initiatives within their communities.”
Mr. Omer Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) and Indochina Co., Ltd., noted, “Suntory Beverage and Food is dedicated to being socially and environmentally responsible, making a lasting impact on both the environment and society. The Mizuiku Water Conservation Project is part of Suntory’s ‘Growing for Good’ sustainable growth initiatives, designed to educate young people about environmental conservation and the importance of water for ecosystems and life. In 2023, the project is in its third year, aiming to encourage teachers to raise awareness among young individuals and develop water-saving activities to conserve water resources. This educational process aims to nurture responsible citizens who recognise local development and environmental protection issues, equipping them with the ability to devise solutions to preserve water resources in their communities. Our mission is to foster environmental citizenship, promote social responsibility, and ensure the preservation of water for future generations.”
Alexander Simon Rendell, Managing Director of ECC, emphasised that the ECC collaborates with local youth organisations to address environmental and ecological challenges in the region. Over the past three years, the Mizuiku Water Conservation Project has established a water-focused learning process across rural regions. This initiative aims to help young people understand how their lives are interconnected with water resources, fostering national-level environmental awareness among youth. The project’s success is driven by robust public and private sector collaboration. Rendell believes that this year’s program, set in natural classroom settings, has the potential to offer valuable learning experiences and enhance young individuals’ understanding of water, ultimately nurturing future leaders in environmental conservation.
Winus Wareekul, Teacher Wid, from Ban Ko Cham School in Nuea Khlong District of Krabi Province, shared the impact of the project on her perspective. She highlighted the pressing issue of ocean pollution affecting mangrove ecosystems and beaches near her school. Her involvement in the initiative heightened her awareness of waste management and the significance of water conservation in daily life. She believes that the students who participated in the water conservation camp have gained valuable insights and will share their experiences with friends and family.
Sirinthip Phetnongchum, Teacher Ple, from Ao Luek Prachasan School in Ao Luek District, Krabi Province, expressed her appreciation for the project. She commended Suntory Beverage and Food Company for organising the camp, which provided her students with their first experience of extracurricular activities and outdoor learning. The students’ participation in real-life experiences deepened their appreciation for the resources in their hometown. She also mentioned that she learned valuable lessons from the camp that she can use to educate children in the future.
Sukrit Inbua, Nick, a grade 5 student at Ban Ko Cham School, Nuea Khlong District, Krabi, shared his perspective from the water conservation camp. He expressed his love for diving and demystified the stereotype of sharks being dangerous. He emphasised the importance of sharks in maintaining the sea’s balance and the need to protect them from extinction. Sukrit pledged to educate his friends about the importance of not littering in the ocean.
Pariyawit Robkob, Koko, a Mathayom 1 student from Ao Luek Prachasan School, Krabi, reflected on his transformative experience during the camp. He acknowledged that the camp provided him with practical knowledge about water and resource conservation, topics he had previously known little about. The camp’s hands-on approach ensured that he would remember the lessons and put them into action in the future.
During the three-day Water Conservation Camp in Krabi, participating students and teachers engaged in a natural classroom setting to learn about water resource conservation and environmental protection. They collaborated during Mizuiku workshops to generate ideas for preserving their community’s waterways. Additionally, they enjoyed snorkelling and gained insights into the shark’s role in maintaining the marine ecosystem at the Marine Learning Centre. The camp concluded with a summary of the learning outcomes, highlighting the collective effort of teachers and students.
The Mizuiku water conservation project has outlined a three-year plan: 2023 focuses on generating ideas related to water and the environment, 2024 aims to raise awareness by involving more people, and the goal for 2025 is to integrate a learning model into the Environmental Studies for Sustainable Development or Eco-School curriculum. This framework aims to facilitate global exchange of environmental and water-related information, developing environmentally conscious community members who can effectively apply their knowledge to their own communities.