The “Cheewa Panavet” Biodiversity and Sustainability Learning Center, located at Toyota’s Ban Pho Plant, has been designated as a pilot site for the OECMs biodiversity conservation initiative.

Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), has designated the “Cheewa Panavet” Biodiversity and Sustainability Learning Center at Toyota’s Ban Pho Plant in Chachoengsao Province as one of Thailand’s official pilot sites for the conservation of biodiversity outside protected areas (Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures: OECMs). The recognition was also presented through an exhibition and participation in the academic conference “Bioday Play & Learn: Turn to Action,” held on 31 May 2025 at Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park.

The academic conference “Bioday Play & Learn: Turn to Action,” organized by ONEP, aimed to disseminate academic knowledge, raise understanding and awareness of the value of biodiversity, promote eco-friendly lifestyles, and foster collaboration across all sectors for concrete conservation efforts. It was also resolved that 8 areas in Thailand would be recognized as pilot OECMs sites for biodiversity conservation outside protected areas, including:

1. Lower Songkhram River, Nakhon Phanom Province  
2. Ban Pak Talay Conservation Area, Phetchaburi Province  
3. Doi Tung Development Project (Royal Initiative Area)  
4. Cheewa Panavet Biodiversity and Sustainability Learning Center, Chachoengsao Province  
5. Northeastern Overburden Dump Area, Mae Moh Lignite Mine, Lampang Province  
6. Wang Chan Forest Learning Center, Rayong Province  
7. Urban Forest Learning Center, Bangkok  
8. Khlong Khanom Jeen Community, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

The Cheewa Panavet Learning Center covers over 63 rai within the Toyota Ban Pho Plant in Chachoengsao Province. It was developed through collaboration among Toyota employees, parts manufacturers, dealers, surrounding communities, and the public to restore forest and ecological systems. As a result, the site demonstrates outstanding biodiversity, including 119 plant species and 528 animal species, comprising 149 bird species, 8 amphibian species, 22 reptile species, 5 mammal species, 307 insect and arachnid species, 16 fish and aquatic species, and 21 invertebrate species — reflecting a balanced and rich ecosystem. The center also emphasizes human resource development through environmental education programs, fostering understanding and a sense of responsibility for sustainable coexistence with nature. To date, more than 62,000 individuals — including the public, youth, and interested organizations have visited and participated in learning activities.  

The event featured exhibitions from all pilot areas. The Cheewa Panavet Biodiversity and Sustainability Learning Center showcased its background and Toyota’s environmental master plan, offering visitors insight into the company’s structured environmental efforts. In addition, interactive activities such as a scent recognition game and a leaf identification challenge were organized to make learning more engaging and accessible.

The designation of the Cheewa Panavet Biodiversity and Sustainability Learning Center at Toyota’s Ban Pho Plant as one of the country's OECMs pilot sites is part of Thailand’s national and global efforts to increase the coverage of biodiversity conservation areas by at least 30% by 2030 (30x30). This aligns with Toyota's Environmental Challenge 2050, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 while building a society that lives in harmony with nature.