Resident Coordinator’s Remarks at 18th Thailand Bird Fair “Living in Harmony: Birds and Human Co-Existence”

Good morning and Sawasdee ka 

Dr. Petch, President of the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand,  

Distinguished specialists, guests, and participants. 

Let me begin by thanking the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand for institutionalizing and leading the Thailand Bird Fair every year. 

This is the 18th year of hosting the Bird Fair. I am honored to be part of this event that fosters a love for birds. 

It is heartening to see young people joining the bird walk this morning, helping promote harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. 

I am hoping that the annual Thailand Bird Fair becomes a feature across the 76 provinces as well to ensure national outreach in collaboration with government and civil society stakeholders.  

Last year, I had the opportunity to join the Thailand Bird Conservation Society for its visit to Phetchaburi province and personally see the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand (BCST) team in action in salt pans of Pak Thale. 

Sighting of resident bird species specifically the spotted greenshank, little tern, and spoon-billed sandpiper, led by grassroots bird-watching experts, left a warm and lasting impression.  

I am hoping, in 2024, I find the time to make more such visits to see at least some of the 900 species of birds that are indigenous to Thailand. 

Birds are critical to sustaining the biodiverse ecosystems of countries. 

This was recognized at the COP15 where member states established specific targets within the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.  

These targets aim to protect 30% of land, sea, and inland waters, which include peatlands, mangroves, and forests. 

The Prime Minister, during his recent visit to New York at the Climate Ambition and the SDG Summit, set the ambition on climate prioritizing a low-carbon and climate-resilient ecosystem where the economy and nature can sustainably thrive.  

One strong commitment is to increase forest and green area cover by 55% nationwide given that forests serve as carbon sinks.  

These green sanctuaries will offer refuge to countless birds and contribute to “no net loss” in the diversity of genetics, species, and ecosystems. 

I also want to highlight that Thailand is home to nearly 100 bird species listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List as either globally threatened or endangered, signifying their risk of extinction.  

I would like to see the BCST together with public and private stakeholders championing and protecting these species and their ecosystems to steer them from the brink of extinction. 

Doing this is not about securing financing alone but adopting a whole-of-society approach leveraging partnerships, bringing to bear technical knowledge and strategies for biodiverse hotspots.  

The private sector through Global Compact Network Thailand, which brings private sector companies together, last year committed to supporting the protection of 30 percent of land and marine areas nationwide.  

Another encouraging trend that we have witnessed is the increasing involvement of private individuals investing in protecting biodiversity hotspots. 

This is why today’s Bird Fair holds significant meaning as a platform for raising awareness and fostering a deep understanding of our shared responsibility toward preserving birds and the ecosystems they inhabit.  

We, at the UN, have been joining the Bangkok Governor’s efforts in planting a million trees to turn Bangkok into one of the top 50 livable cities in the world, understanding that preserving urban biodiversity is an integral part of “living in harmony”. 

As we pursue these endeavors, we look forward to connecting the dots and amplifying voices, raising awareness, and enhancing collective impact on biodiversity protection and conservation. 

The UN stands ready to work with champions such as the BCST for a better future for all. 

Thank you.