Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), Japan’s Ministry of Environment (MoEJ) visited Toyota Motor Corporation “Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs)” model in Japan
ThailandAichi, Japan, December 10th, 2024 – Mr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Director General of Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE), Mr.Jiravat Ratisoontorn, Deputy Secretary-General of Office of Natural Resources and Environmental and Policy Planning (ONEP), under Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), Mr. Makoto Kobayashi, Deputy Director from Japan’s Ministry of Environment (MoEJ) and Mrs. Susama Pitakuldilog, Senior Vice President from PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP) visited Toyota Motor Corporation’s Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama - Environmental learning Center which is certified as a “Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs)” and a role model for biodiversity conservation management area by the private sector in Japan.
This was a follow up activity after signing a memorandum of understanding *(MOU) on September 9th this year between ONEP and Toyota Motor Thailand (TMT) (refer to the URL below) to collaborate and support Thailand’s biodiversity target for 2030. Toyota Biodiversity and Sustainability Learning Center, ‘Cheewa Panavet,’ at the Toyota Ban Pho Plant, has become the role model for “Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs)” managed by the private sector in Thailand.
Toyota’s objective is to strengthen collaboration with local communities and private sectors to enhance biodiversity conservation. This supports Thailand’s 30x30 biodiversity target, aiming to increase conservation areas to 30 percent by 2030. Toyota aims to expand efforts beyond government-protected areas, aligning with Toyota’s commitment to Carbon Neutrality and the Environmental Challenge 2050. By implementing innovative strategies and educational programs, Toyota aims to significantly contribute to Thailand’s biodiversity goals and set a benchmark for sustainable practices.
Remark
About Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama (Japan) – One of the Toyota Motor Corporation’s research and development facility for vehicle development to build ever-better cars. The site located in a mountainous area straddling the cities of Toyota and Okazaki. Around 60 percent of the area (approx. 650 hectares) consists of preserved original trees and greenery, in addition to newly developed green spaces. Toyota fully considers to maintaining and managing the natural environment, which included the Environmental Learning Center in the area. Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama has been recognized as 1 of 5 Toyota’s site to certified OECM model in Japan since 2023.
About Cheewa Panavet at the Toyota Ban Pho Plant (Thailand) – A learning center for biodiversity located within the Toyota’s factory property. The center excels in forest restoration using the famed Miyawaki method, biodiversity conservation, and provides environmental and biodiversity education to the public and younger generations. Cheewa Panavet has the potential to serve as one of Thailand’s premier models for biodiversity conservation areas outside protected areas, managed by the private sector. This initiative marks the first Toyota OECM outside Japan, following Toyota Motor Corporation’s 5 recognized sites for OECM in Japan since 2023.
