The ongoing environmental changes have led to a significant decline in natural resources, especially forests, directly impacting biodiversity, ecosystems, and human quality of life. This situation underscores the relevance of Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15), which emphasizes sustainable forest management, restoration of degraded lands, and conservation of biodiversity. Recognizing these challenges, Faculty of Science and Arts, Burapha University, Chanthaburi Campus, has prioritized initiatives that contribute to the preservation and rehabilitation of local environments. To address these concerns, the faculty launched the volunteer project titled “United Hearts Under One Tree,” aiming to restore degraded areas into healthy green spaces. This initiative seeks not only to improve the environment but also to instill a sense of responsibility and awareness of natural resource conservation among students, staff, and community members. Through active participation in tree-planting activities, participants gain practical knowledge of ecosystems, forest restoration, and the importance of using natural resources sustainably and responsibly. Beyond increasing green areas, this project helps mitigate climate change by capturing carbon, prevents soil erosion, and maintains the moisture of natural water sources. It also aligns with the faculty’s mission to integrate teaching, research, and community engagement to achieve genuine sustainable development. Ultimately, this initiative reinforces the university’s role as a leader in promoting sustainable practices and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals at both local and national levels.
Objectives:
1. To instill a sense of awareness and responsibility for the conservation of natural resources and the environment among students and faculty members. 2. To promote active participation in volunteer activities and foster a sense of social responsibility within the university community. 3. To contribute to addressing climate change by engaging in tree-planting activities that have the potential to generate carbon credits in the future, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15).
Project Supervisor:
Nisachon Tedsri, Ph.D., Faculty of Science and Arts
As part of the activity, participants worked together to expand green spaces around the football field next to 100th Year Somdech Phra Srinagarindra Building. The group prepared the site by clearing weeds and planting a total of 99 seedlings of diverse native and valuable species, including yellow elder (Tecoma stans), trumpet tree (Dolichandrone serrulata), fish poison tree (Barringtonia asiatica), tamarind (Tamarindus indica), rosewood (Pterocarpus macrocarpus), mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), kranok (Fagraea fragrans), and chamuang or cowa (Garcinia cowa). These trees were generously provided by the Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Center, reflecting collaboration with organizations dedicated to sustainable development.
Impacts:
This hands-on experience not only taught proper planting techniques but also emphasized the importance of seedling survival for long-term ecological benefits. The project has set guidelines for the continued care and monitoring of the trees, involving both students and faculty members in regularly assessing their growth and survival rates. By actively engaging in maintaining these green areas, the initiative will contribute to carbon sequestration, exemplifying a strong commitment to sustainable conservation of soil, forests, and terrestrial ecosystems in line with the principles of SDG 15.
Date of Implementation: July 4, 2025
