Last month in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the 11th Southeast Asian Biosphere Reserves Network (SeaBRnet) Meeting defined sustainability, telling stories and providing practical examples showcasing successful sustainable development initiatives in Unesco Biosphere Reserves throughout the Asia-Pacific region. During the conference, delegates from 17 countries were taken on a field trip to visit the Mae Sa-Kog Ma Biosphere Reserve located just outside Chiang Mai. Diversity, both cultural and genetic, is an important feature of the Biosphere Reserve. The deforestation that occurred in the area surrounding Pong Krai proved detrimental to the regional watershed and ultimately resulted in severe depletion of groundwater resources. Pong Krai village was highlighted during the SeaBRnet meeting as an example of local community involvement in various sustainable development initiatives.

Source: The Nation Bangkok June 19, 2018 18:00 UTC