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Mae Fah Luang Foundation convenes “MFLF Sustainability Forum 2025”

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Mae Fah Luang Foundation convenes “MFLF Sustainability Forum 2025”
Theme: “Global Challenges, Local Solutions at Scale” — Rallying ideas for sustainable pathways for Thailand amid global crises

The Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage organized the MFLF Sustainability Forum 2025 under the theme “Global Challenges, Local Solutions at Scale.” The opening ceremony was presided over by Thanphuying Putrie Viravaidya, Chairperson of the Foundation, together with members of the Board of Directors. M.L. Dispanadda Diskul, Secretary‑General and Chief Executive Officer, joined representatives from government, the private sector and communities at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, on 22 September 2025.

Designed as a platform for cross‑sector collaboration, the Forum brought together practical knowledge and experience in sustainability, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for Thailand to overcome global environmental and economic headwinds through partnerships among the state, business and communities.

Keynote address — “A whole‑of‑society push is essential”
Dr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Director‑General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, underlined that both the world and Thailand are facing multi‑layered pressures — from geopolitical tensions and trade measures to stricter international regulations. Concurrently, environmental crises such as biodiversity loss and widespread wildfires (over 42 million rai worldwide — approximately 6.7 million hectares) are weighing on Thailand’s grassroots economy. Although domestic forest loss has slowed compared with many regions, Thailand will struggle to adapt without proactive measures. Recent IPCC assessments indicate that climate finance and community linkages remain insufficient, reinforcing the need for concerted action by all sectors.

He cited the Mae Fah Luang Foundation as a case in point: conservation must be paired with sustainable use and fair benefit‑sharing. On trade, instruments such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will affect Thai exports and national income. Thailand’s carbon market remains nascent; T‑VER needs linkages to compliance mechanisms, and the draft Climate Change Bill must be advanced. The overarching goal, he said, is a resilient climate ecosystem — legislation and a climate fund that connect the voluntary and compliance carbon markets, ensure equitable benefit distribution to citizens, and keep Thailand on a firm trajectory toward net‑zero by 2050.

Remarks by M.L. Dispanadda Diskul — “From BAU to shared prosperity”
M.L. Dispanadda emphasized the pivotal role of communities and all stakeholders in driving sustainability, noting that carbon credits from community forests have surpassed the original target fourfold, reflecting years of diligent work and collaboration. Conservation and prevention, he stressed, produce lasting results only when everyone shares in the benefits.
He underscored that business‑as‑usual is no longer sufficient. Action must go deeper than conventional environmental projects to encompass overall well‑being, with nature as a core pillar. Thailand should seize opportunities arising from today’s challenges: Are we ready to invest in nature credits to advance sustainable development? At the same time, outcomes must be evidenced by real results; the community‑forest carbon credit initiative shows that success is possible when every party prioritizes and cooperates. Efforts must also look across generations — sustainability is not a 10–15‑year horizon but a commitment to future generations who may bear the consequences. Economy and sustainability are one and the same, and Thailand needs rules that deliver genuine change while preventing corporate capture of development that rightly belongs to communities. Agriculture, he added, is vital. If productivity and climate resilience improve, agriculture can generate and distribute income widely because the entire supply chain occurs within Thailand. Above all, every sector must weigh the cost of action versus the cost of inaction.

Main discussions (three sessions)

Session 1 — “Global Challenges, Thai Solutions”
Speakers: Piyachart Isarabhakdee, Co‑Chair, BRANDi Institute of Systematic Transformation (BiOST); Dr. Karin Boonlertvanich, Executive Vice President, Kasikornbank; and Dr. Supatchaya Techachoochert, Nature‑based Solutions expert, Mae Fah Luang Foundation.
The panel examined a world marked by economic, social and environmental uncertainty. Contrary to the belief that sustainability hinders growth, the discussion demonstrated that sustainability and economic development can advance together if Thailand re‑balances profit with social and environmental externalities. All sectors must adapt and leverage green investment to build new S‑curves, reduce the cost of not acting, and use public–private partnerships (PPP) within a supportive ecosystem where businesses and communities both participate. Resource governance should decentralize to communities, prioritize prevention over after‑the‑fact remediation, and prepare for climate change across broader dimensions — an approach that helps Thailand navigate global crises without leaving anyone behind.

Session 2 — “Keys to the Survival of People and Nature”
Speakers: Mr. Nakorn Tangavirapat, Executive Director, TGO; Mr. Taviroj Songkumpol, Chief, Corporate Strategy, Thai Airways International PCL; Niran Nirannoot, Country Project Manager, UNDP BIOFIN; and Smitthi Harueanphuech, Head of Nature‑based Solutions, MFLF.
The session stressed the forest sector’s central role in Thailand’s net‑zero pathway and the importance of high‑quality carbon credits and sustainable finance as connectors between people, carbon and ecosystems. Thailand must swiftly protect and expand green spaces — not merely tree cover, but functioning ecosystems, particularly community forests aligned with the SDGs and net‑zero targets. Innovation in finance (e.g., blended finance) and clear metrics can unlock multiple outcomes: emissions reduction, biodiversity conservation and improved community livelihoods, while encouraging companies to integrate social and environmental factors into value‑creation strategies. Community‑forest projects were presented as exemplars of high‑standard carbon credits with strong community participation, and as stepping stones to innovations such as biodiversity credits and nature credits that channel development opportunities to rural areas. Ultimately, if people do not thrive and forests do not thrive, business cannot thrive.

Session 3 — “Special Dialogue”
Speakers: Mr. Wichai Pengruean, Village Head of Ban Ton Phueng and Chair of the Mae Pong Subdistrict Community Forest Network (Chiang Mai); Mr. Ton Jaidee, Chair of the Phayao Provincial Community Forest Network; and private‑sector representative Mr. Paiboon Tunkoon, Assurance Partner and Chief Operations Officer, PwC Thailand. Community leaders shared firsthand experience from the community‑forest program, showing how systematic forest stewardship fosters mutual support between people and nature. Communities in Mae Pong and Ban Pee have committees with participation across age groups to set rules, use and manage forests sustainably, maintain water sources and fuel, reduce wildfires, and develop supplementary incomes (e.g., leaf‑plate production, brooms, honey and community‑based tourism). These efforts have spawned funds and no‑burn networks, while opening their areas as learning sites for other communities. From the corporate perspective, the program advances both Thailand’s emissions‑reduction goals and impactful sustainable investment; hence PwC has provided advisory support on monitoring and finance to help raise the quality of carbon credits and reflect genuine economic, social and environmental benefits.

Carbon‑credit handover ceremony
A highlight of the forum was the delivery of 43,123 tCO₂e in carbon credits — the largest single handover of credits from forest conservation and restoration projects in Thailand to date — under the program “You Look After the Forest, We Look After You: Forest Carbon Credit Management for Sustainable Development.” Running since 2021 and spanning 12 projects in four northern provinces (Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Phayao), the credits were transferred to seven private‑sector organizations. The achievement rests on collaboration among 14 agencies and community‑forest networks and is grounded in the Foundation’s “Grow Forests, Grow People” approach, implemented with the Royal Forest Department under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and more than 30 private partners. Over the past five years, the program has restored more than 250,000 rai of community forest to support sustainable economic, social and cultural development, strengthen local capacity to protect forests and enhance carbon sequestration, and conserve biodiversity alongside improving quality of life.

A sustained national push
More than an annual platform, the MFLF Sustainability Forum 2025 reflects the Foundation’s long‑term mission to lead Thailand’s transition to a competitive, sustainability‑based economy. Through this forum and allied initiatives, MFLF aims to make sustainability a tangible driving force at the level of individuals, organizations and the nation.

In Remembrance of the Boundless Benevolence of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra On the Occasion of the 30th Anniversary of Her Passing

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On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage, led by Khunying Puangroi Diskul na Ayudhya, a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, and Dr. Thanapong Duangmanee, Director of Environmental Policy, organized and participated in a series of commemorative activities from 17 to 18 July 2025. These activities aimed to honour Her Royal Highness’s boundless benevolence, to reaffirm loyalty, and to continue Her enduring commitment to sustainable development in both environmental conservation and the enhancement of people’s quality of life.

On 17 July, the Foundation launched a forest restoration activity under the project “Forest Rehabilitation and Enrichment: Reviving Original Forests in Continuation of the Royal Initiative” at Ban Pa Yang, Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai Province. Covering over 25 rai, the activity brought together government agencies, local communities, and network partners to plant native tree saplings as part of an effort to restore the natural ecosystem. This initiative reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to a development approach that maintains a delicate balance between nature and people.

On 18 July, the Foundation held a merit-making ceremony at Wat Phra Kaew in Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province, dedicating merit to Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra in remembrance of Her immeasurable compassion. On the same day, the Chiang Rai Provincial Office held a ceremonial floral tribute and offering at the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park (Rai Mae Fah Luang). Presided over by Mr. Charin Thongsuk, Governor of Chiang Rai Province, the ceremony was attended by heads of government departments, private sector representatives, local residents, and delegates from the Foundation. The event took place in a solemn and respectful atmosphere.

All three activities served as heartfelt tributes to the enduring legacy and noble compassion of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra. They reflect the continued commitment to Her Royal Highness’s vision of sustainable development—giving importance to both environmental stewardship and the value of human life—for the lasting benefit and happiness of the nation.

These three events reflect the deep gratitude for the immeasurable benevolence of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra and embody the enduring continuation of Her Royal Highness’s commitment to sustainable development—prioritizing both environmental stewardship and human dignity for the long-term well-being of the nation.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Follows Up on Development Efforts in Chiang Rai

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On 17 June 2025, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously proceeded to Chiang Rai Province to follow up on efforts to improve the quality of life for local communities. Upon arrival at Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport, Her Royal Highness continued by royal helicopter to Baan Puna, Mae Fah Luang District, to visit the people and observe the oil tea cultivation research project. The initiative—jointly supported by the Chaipattana Foundation and the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage—benefits 403 households through the cultivation of oil tea across 2,010 rai of degraded forest. It promotes sustainable livelihoods alongside agriculture, livestock, and handicrafts.

Her Royal Highness also visited the community handicraft center, where the Mae Fah Luang Foundation integrates local wisdom with skill development and employment, particularly among women, through its DoiTung social enterprise.

Later, Her Royal Highness visited Sangwan Wit 8 School, established in 1991 with support from the Princess Mother’s Charitable Fund. Her Royal Highness presented educational materials and saplings to representatives and engaged with the school and village committees.

At the Doi Tung Royal Villa, Her Royal Highness graciously presided over the 2/2025 Board Meeting of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage and stayed overnight at the Villa.

On 18 June 2025, Her Royal Highness visited the Mae Fah Luang Subdistrict’s community waste separation center, a collaboration between the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, local administration, and Thai Beverage Public Company Limited. The model has eliminated waste sent to landfills across 24 villages and 8 schools, while repurposing 40% of waste through circular economy innovations. This effort has reduced emissions by 973 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.

Her Royal Highness also visited the economic forest plantation to observe a macadamia tree planted by Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother in 1989—marking the beginning of the Doi Tung reforestation effort. Operated under Navuti Co., Ltd., a social enterprise, the plantation demonstrates how economic forests have generated livelihoods, replaced narcotic crops, and restored degraded hillsides—realizing the Princess Mother’s vision to “plant forests, plant people.”

Today, the forest covers 90,000 rai and supports 10,000 people on Doi Tung. Its carbon absorption is certified at 419,000 tones CO₂ equivalent, and the Foundation’s Forest development approach has expanded to 536,169 rai across Thailand.

Mae Fah Luang Foundation Joins Forces with ONEP and BEDO to Advance Thailand’s National Biodiversity Strategy Towards Global Sustainability Goals

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Amid growing global environmental challenges that have brought biodiversity to the forefront of international policy, the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage, recognized for its longstanding leadership in natural resource restoration and sustainable development, has been invited by the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) and the Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office (BEDO) to serve as an Implementation Partner under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

This collaboration aims to support the effective implementation of Thailand’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) at the local level. The MOU signing ceremony was held recently at ONEP headquarters, with the agreement formally signed by M.L. Dispanadda Diskul, Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation; Dr. Chayanan Pakdeejit, Secretary-General of ONEP; and Ms. Suwanna Tiansuwan, Director General of BEDO. This strategic partnership focuses on bridging policy with on-the-ground action in order to achieve the targets set out in the NBSAP (2023–2027), Thailand’s fifth national plan on biodiversity. Key areas of cooperation include the development of biodiversity-related financial mechanisms, data integration, expansion of protected areas, knowledge exchange in bioeconomy and product development, community-based implementation, and youth engagement. The MOU outlines a three-year collaboration framework among the three organizations.

The event also featured presentations by youth participants from BEDO’s Community BioBank and Biogang projects, as well as the Biodiversity Camp organized by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation—highlighting the vital role of young people in biodiversity conservation and their commitment to participating in this national initiative.

M.L. Dispanadda Diskul emphasized that the Foundation’s work is deeply rooted in the development philosophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, affectionately known as “Somdej Ya”, who championed the principle of “people living in harmony with forests, and forests sustaining the lives of people.” For nearly four decades, the Foundation’s Doi Tung Development Project has embodied this principle through its “Reforest People, Rebuild Forests” approach, which integrates environmental, economic, and social development in a sustainable model. The Foundation continues to monitor and study biodiversity in the area to ensure that its approach yields measurable, positive outcomes for local ecosystems.

With extensive experience in implementing community development in real-world settings—ranging from Doi Tung and replication sites nationwide and abroad, to initiatives like community forest carbon credit management and social enterprises under the DoiTung brand—the Foundation also incorporates nature-related risk assessments to improve resource management, rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, and deliver sustainable economic returns to communities.

The Mae Fah Luang Foundation is honored to contribute its participatory natural resource management expertise, field-tested knowledge, and continuously documented ecological data to support the national implementation of the NBSAP. This commitment aligns with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Thailand’s 30×30 target, which aims to conserve 30% of the country’s land and marine areas by 2030.

As an Implementation Partner, the Foundation firmly believes that meaningful biodiversity conservation must be grounded in real action at the community level, with local stakeholders as custodians of their natural resources. Through collaboration, capacity building, and shared responsibility, the Foundation remains dedicated to helping Thailand achieve its biodiversity goals in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

Brewing Change SUSTAINABILITY JOURNAL Thailand’s most famous coffee brand, DoiTung, is a model of sustainable development

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Every cup of DoiTung coffee represents more than just a beverage. It supports the hill tribe communities in Doi Tung, Chiang Rai, helping local farmers preserve forests, combat deforestation, and introduce Thai coffee to the global market.

Behind the deep, smooth taste of Doi Tung coffee lies hope and sustainability. Click to read more.  Join us on a journey through the story of Thai coffee.

Mae Fah Luang Foundation Participates in the Earthna Summit 2025 Global Conference

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The Royal Thai Embassy in Doha, led by H.E. Mr. Sira Swangsilpa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the State of Qatar (5th from right), in collaboration with the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage, represented by Visit-orn Rajatanarvin Director of Knowledge and Learning Centre (KLC) (2nd from right), participated in the Earthna Summit 2025. At the summit, they shared the concept of “People-Centered Development”, inspired by the Doi Tung Development Project — a practical and sustainable development model. The delegation also showcased Doi Tung products that exemplify an integrated approach connecting people, forest, and market in a systematic and sustainable way. The event took place recently in Doha, Qatar.

The Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage donates 1.5 million baht to the United Nations World Food Programme to contribute to the earthquake response in Myanmar.

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M.L. Dispanadda Diskul (right), Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage, represented the Foundation in handing over a donation of THB 1,500,000 (one million five hundred thousand baht) to Mr. Samir Wanmali (left), Regional Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) for Asia and the Pacific. The donation, mobilized through the Foundation’s extensive network of partners and individuals, will contribute to WFP’s earthquake response in Myanmar—providing life-saving assistance to affected populations and supporting the second phase of operations, which focuses on targeted support, livelihood recovery, and strengthening the resilience of the hardest-hit communities. The handover ceremony was held recently at the WFP Asia and the Pacific Regional Office in Bangkok.

The Coffee House by DoiTung: The Pinnacle of Thai Specialty Coffee From the Highland Plantations of DoiTung to the Nation’s Landmark Project, One Bangkok

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Rooted in a sustainable development initiative that uplifts highland communities, DoiTung coffee has transcended boundaries from plantation to cup, reaching the heart of Bangkok as an integral part of One Bangkok, a national landmark project. Through The Coffee House by DoiTung, a specialty café crafted by Thai artisans, the brand solidifies its success in elevating Thai coffee onto the global stage.

Doi Tung’s journey began in a region once plagued by opium cultivation. Through the initiative of the Doi Tung Development Project under the Royal Patronage of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation Under Royal Patronage, the land was rehabilitated and transformed into a thriving hub for premium Arabica coffee cultivation in Chiang Rai Province. Grounded in the philosophy of “People living in harmony with the forest,” this sustainable development effort provided communities with stable employment and economic opportunities, replacing illicit activities driven by lack of knowledge and access to alternatives. The project has successfully restored the environment, cultivating 100% Arabica coffee under a canopy of towering trees, ensuring ecological balance while maintaining high-quality production. The initiative focuses on meticulous agricultural practices, purchasing only premium-grade coffee to ensure fair, sustainable income for farmers. Ultimately, the project aims to empower farmers to achieve financial independence without relying on ongoing external support—a true testament to the foundation’s success.

The hallmark of DoiTung coffee lies in its stringent quality control across the entire production process. Every coffee bean is traceable back to its origin, recording the household, date of sale, and product quality, guaranteeing that every cup served is of Grade A standard. Through dedicated research and development in coffee varietals, processing techniques, and production standards, DoiTung proudly cultivates specialty-grade varieties such as Gayo, alongside Caturra and Bourbon, all of which undergo rigorous selection and processing. This dedication to excellence has earned DoiTung recognition from professional coffee tasters and prestigious awards, including the Cup of Excellence—a global platform celebrating outstanding coffee farmers. Even DoiTung’s mass-market coffee maintains specialty-grade quality, underscoring the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

Beyond cultivating world-class coffee, DoiTung collaborates with domestic and international partners to drive sustainable coffee business development while enhancing farmers’ livelihoods. Key partnerships include Mi Cafeto, KALDI, MUJI, the University of Tokyo, Thai Airways, and Japan Airlines. These collaborations provide farmers access to new markets, cutting-edge agricultural and processing technologies, and support for environmentally sustainable practices, addressing the growing consumer demand for eco-conscious products.

One of DoiTung’s latest milestones is its proud integration into One Bangkok, a landmark Thai development project, through the launch of The Coffee House by DoiTung. This premium café offers an immersive experience, sharing the journey of Thai specialty coffee from highland plantations to an exquisite cup. The selection includes an array of specialty coffee varieties cultivated through meticulous agricultural management, expertly roasted and brewed by skilled baristas. DoiTung’s specialty coffee, including award-winning varietals such as Typica (Dry/Natural Process) recognized by ICP and SEAGCC, and Gesha (Washed Process) with its distinctive taste notes, is crafted to perfection. The café also presents signature drinks like Espresso Honey Tonic, Tiramisu Latte, and Biscoff Latte, alongside a variety of standard coffee options with customizable house and seasonal blends. For non-coffee drinkers, the menu extends beyond coffee to include beverages like Pink Coconut Matcha and Chocolate, along with an exquisite selection of pastries and gourmet food, creating the perfect pairing for a refined café experience. The ambiance of The Coffee House by DoiTung exudes European café aesthetics, offering a serene environment ideal for relaxation or work. Guests can enjoy a dedicated Private Zone for informal meetings or social gatherings and a Slow Bar for interactive sessions with baristas, delving into the intricate journey of DoiTung coffee.

Experience the pinnacle of sustainable coffee excellence while supporting highland communities at The Coffee House by DoiTung, now open on the 3rd floor of the Parade Building, One Bangkok. Operating daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the café invites guests to savor an elevated coffee experience. Stay updated via Instagram: thecoffeehouse.doitung.