On 7 October 2026, Mr. Martin Kabaluapa Kapinga, Chief, Country Offices Management of WWF, met with Dr. Raweewan Bhuridej, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), to exchange perspectives and discuss opportunities to strengthen collaboration on the conservation and restoration of natural resources and biodiversity at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in Bangkok.
The discussion focused on expanding cooperation beyond project-based interventions towards a Landscape Approach, promoting integrated conservation that addresses ecosystem health, biodiversity protection, and long-term community well-being.
The meeting also explored opportunities to develop a long-term framework for collaboration between WWF and the Ministry. Over the years, WWF has worked closely with agencies under MONRE to conserve wildlife, restore ecosystems, and enhance community participation in conservation efforts. Particular attention has been given to significant natural landscapes in western Thailand, including initiatives to conserve and recover elephant and tiger populations, restore ecosystems, and strengthen natural resource management.
Both parties recognised opportunities to further expand collaboration at the landscape level and to better connect conservation outcomes with local community participation and livelihoods.
In addition, the meeting included an exchange of views on innovative financial mechanisms to support long-term conservation, including the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) and Project Finance for Permanence (PFP). These approaches offer promising opportunities to secure sustainable financing for the protection and restoration of natural resources.
The Permanent Secretary encouraged relevant agencies to work with WWF to explore the feasibility of adapting and developing suitable conservation finance mechanisms for the Thai context. WWF and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing collaboration in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration across Thailand. Together, both organisations aim to promote sustainable conservation outcomes while delivering balanced economic and social benefits and improving the quality of life for local communities over the long term.
