On Thursday, August 22, 2567 B.E. at 5:29 PM, BEDO organized a workshop titled „Train the Trainer“ to develop the skills of community educators. The event was chaired by Ms. Suwanat Tiat Suwan, the director of the Office of Economic Development from Biological Resources. The workshop took place from August 19 to 21, 2567 B.E. at the Centara Grand at CentralWorld and the Convention Center at Centara Grand at CentralWorld in Bangkok.
BEDO, which focuses on driving the economy through biological resources in Thailand while ensuring sustainable conservation, has developed the BEDO-ABS Concept. This concept aims to protect biological resources in the region and safeguard the rights of communities in accessing and sharing the benefits of these resources. In the fiscal year 2561 B.E., BEDO developed tools for accessing and sharing the benefits of biological resources, known as the „BEDO-ABS Concept,“ to protect and conserve biological resources in Thailand. This initiative emphasizes community involvement and revenue sharing for the conservation and restoration of biological resources.
In the fiscal year 2562 B.E., BEDO collaborated with the Office of Knowledge Development and Management to implement the BEDO-ABS Concept in Community BioBank projects. These projects aimed to raise awareness among communities about accessing and sharing the benefits of biological resources and promote community practices in managing the movement of biological resources in and out of their Community BioBanks.
Ms. Suwanat mentioned that the workshop aimed to build on and expand the dissemination of knowledge. It provided practical training for community educators under the BEDO-ABS Concept, focusing on developing skills and basic knowledge to become community educators and representatives of BEDO in communicating and disseminating knowledge about accessing and sharing the benefits of biological resources.
The workshop aimed to create a network and strengthen communities in protecting and conserving biological resources in their areas. It also aimed to raise awareness about community rights regarding access and benefit-sharing from biological resources, leading to sustainable conservation and utilization of biological diversity in communities.
The outcomes of this workshop are expected to raise awareness and understanding among communities and community networks under the Community BioBank project about accessing and sharing the benefits of biological resources. It also aims to develop and promote skills in becoming community educators for disseminating knowledge about accessing and sharing the benefits of biological resources. This workshop provides opportunities to expand the dissemination of knowledge about accessing and sharing the benefits of biological resources in the future.
In conclusion, BEDO’s workshop on „Train the Trainer“ is a significant step towards empowering communities and community networks to protect and conserve biological resources effectively. It equips community educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to educate others about accessing and sharing the benefits of biological resources, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic development.