August 14, 2026 — Associate Professor Dr. Kitikorn Jamrussit, Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, and Mr. Tharatep Kulp anich, Director of the Nakhon Pathom Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on “Strengthening Collaboration and Advancing Natural Resource and Environmental Management in Nakhon Pathom Province.” The signing ceremony was held at the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University. Associate Professor Dr. Noppol Arunrat and Mr. Monchai Pan-o, Senior Professional Environmental Officer, participated as witnesses.
The collaboration aims to establish and strengthen a network between academic institutions and government agencies in the management of natural resources and the environment in Nakhon Pathom Province. Key objectives include enhancing personnel capacity, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, data, and academic work, and jointly developing plans, projects, and activities to support systematic and sustainable solutions to environmental challenges at the local level.
Under the MoU, the two organizations will collaborate on several key areas, including air pollution reduction and prevention; the development of databases and innovations for environmental monitoring and early-warning systems; climate change action; greenhouse gas reduction; and efforts toward achieving provincial Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions. The partnership will also promote the development of knowledge and databases on Carbon Footprint to support sustainable natural resource and environmental management.
One of the key areas of collaboration is the monitoring and surveillance of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and atmospheric pollutants. The Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, will support the application of data from air quality monitoring stations to advance joint health and environmental research. This includes linking air quality data with studies on health impacts and developing systems for monitoring, reporting, and communicating air quality information for the benefit of local residents, particularly communities in Salaya and surrounding areas.
The collaboration will also cover the development of a local greenhouse gas emissions database to strengthen the capacity of local administrative organizations in Nakhon Pathom Province to independently collect and assess greenhouse gas data. This will include gathering information on energy and fuel consumption, waste, transportation, and green spaces; calculating greenhouse gas emissions; preparing Verification Sheets; and applying the data to develop practical area-based greenhouse gas reduction plans.
Another key initiative under the partnership is the development of Koh Lat E Tan as a low-carbon tourism destination and sustainable community. The Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, will support research and the documentation of lessons learned from area development, including analysis of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation, accommodation, agriculture, and community products. The initiative will also explore the adoption of clean energy and environmentally friendly technologies, such as electric trams, Solar Rooftop systems, and Solar Water Pumping systems. In addition, policy recommendations will be developed to support low-carbon tourism, low-carbon products, and the circular economy at the community level.
In terms of personnel capacity development, the two organizations will jointly organize practical training programs, technology transfer activities, and knowledge-sharing sessions on natural resources and environmental management. They will also support research projects, the development of strategic environmental maps, and other academic activities to promote the application of knowledge and research findings in policy formulation and effective environmental management in Nakhon Pathom Province.
The MoU will remain in effect for four years, from August 14, 2026, to August 13, 2030. It marks an important step toward integrating collaboration between academia and government agencies to enhance natural resource and environmental management in Nakhon Pathom Province through knowledge, research, and innovation. The partnership aims to establish a strong environmental management system, reduce the impacts of pollution and climate change, and advance Nakhon Pathom Province toward long-term sustainability.
