Seub Nakhasathien: Thailand’s Heroic Conservationist, Part 2 of 3

Today, we are very honored to hear more from Mr. Panudet Kerdmali and Mrs. Kanoknuch Chankham, the Secretary-General and the Project Coordinator of the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation.

“Seub Nakhasathien Foundation is a non-governmental organization that is non-profit. We are a conservation organization set up in 1990, 18 days after Mr. Seub Nakhasathien passed away. His friends, co-workers, and conservationists converged at his memorial and agreed that there should be a continuation of the work that Mr. Seub Nakhasathien did when he was alive. Mr. Seub tried to protect the natural resources, whether it was the forest or the wild animals.”

“I think when Mr. Seub was alive, what he really tried to do was to do everything so that the personnel who were rangers or personnel on the ground, who lived in the area, they were able to efficiently look after and protect the resources as much as they could.”

“This is one issue. Another issue is research analysis of information in order to conserve resources. This is an issue that Seub Nakhasathien Foundation tries to push with regards to opposition to projects that impact the forest and wild animals. For example, not long ago there was the issue of the Mae Wong Dam, with regards to the road that will cut through the forest. Roads that cut through the forest, firstly, they break up the forest. Another factor is that this enables wildlife hunters easier access.”

“The foundation is now aware that activities have an impact, especially with regards to plans to build dams in the forest. It causes the absolute loss of the heredity of the wild animals in that area. Therefore, the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation opposes development of large dams in forest areas.”

Supreme Master Ching Hai: “Gratefully present the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation the Shining World Compassion Award with US$10,000 as a small token of support for this noble work. May the Buddhas protect your team and those loving, majestic, free-living animal co-inhabitants with Blessing and Divine Love.”