In a collaborative effort to enhance Bangkok's greenery in line with Governor Chadchart Sittipunt's "million-trees" campaign, the Nong Chok District Office has teamed up with Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods). Together, they are transforming vacant spaces into lush green areas to serve as natural dust filters for the city, under the banner of the "Smart Forest Learning Center" project. This initiative aims not only to increase greenery but also to provide educational and recreational opportunities for residents and nearby communities.
Pairoj Chanrod, director of Nong Chok District, led the launch and kick-off ceremony for the Smart Forest Learning Center, joined by Narerk Mangkeo, president of CPF Food and Beverage Co., Ltd., CP Foods' Ready-to-Eat Food Business, and Kobboon Srichai, head of corporate affairs & investor relations at CP Foods. Employees from nearby operations, as well as teachers and students from Bodindecha School (Sing Singhaseni), members of the Bangkok Council, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) parliamentarians, and officials from local police stations, also participated in the event. Together, they planted trees near Bodindecha 4 School in Lam Toi Ting Subdistrict, creating a vibrant forest with flowering plants to contribute to Bangkok's goal of planting 1 million trees by "Biodiversity Day" on May 22.
Pairoj Chanrod commended the initiative led by Governor Chatchart Sitthiphan, which involves collaboration between government agencies, the private sector and citizens to improve the urban environment and ecosystem. This project repurposes 16 rai of unused land into a community engagement space and environmental enhancement area, reflecting the collective effort to combat global warming and increase green space in Bangkok.
Narerk Mangkeo underscored CP Foods' commitment to environmental sustainability and natural resource protection, crucial for food security. The company's endeavors align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 13 on climate action and Goal 15 on life on land. CP Foods' environmental projects focus on conservation, restoration and new forest plantations, including watershed and mangrove forests. The seedlings for the Nong Chok project originate from the "CPF Rak Nives at Phraya Doen Thong Mountain Project" in Lopburi Province, which will supply 35 species of trees, totaling over 600 trees suitable for Bangkok's low-lying areas. These species, chosen for their economic value and resilience, encourage community involvement in forest preservation and seedling propagation.
This project extends the pilot activity initiated in 2022, where CP Foods distributed tree seedlings to Bangkok residents for planting in their homes. Across its operations in eight countries, CP Foods has conserved, restored, and planted over 6.85 million trees across 19,932 rai, contributing to the absorption of over 48,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
