Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment: Protecting Thailand's Ecosystems
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) is a pivotal cabinet ministry within the Government of Thailand. Established on October 3, 2002, the MNRE is tasked with the critical mission of protecting the nation's diverse natural assets, including its forests, minerals, oceans, and water systems. The ministry operates with a vision to restore the natural environment for the Thai people and integrate environmental sustainability into the national government agenda as a foundation for economic and social development.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Key Facts
- Founded: October 3, 2002.
- Headquarters: Phaya Thai District, Bangkok.
- Annual Budget: 30,693 million baht (FY2019).
- Primary Goal: Protection and restoration of Thailand's natural resources and environment.
- Strategic Framework: A 20-year strategic plan spanning 2017–2036.
Organizational Structure and Administration
The MNRE is managed by the Minister and the Permanent Secretary, overseeing a complex network of departments, state enterprises, and public organizations designed to manage specific ecological sectors.
Administrative Offices
- Office of the Minister
- Office of the Permanent Secretary
Dependent Departments
The ministry manages several specialized departments to ensure comprehensive coverage of the environment:
- Water and Marine: Department of Water Resources, Department of Groundwater Resources, and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (including the Phuket Marine Biological Center).
- Land and Wildlife: Royal Forest Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
- Policy and Pollution: Office of the Natural Resources and Environment Policy and Planning (ONEP), Pollution Control Department, and the Department of Climate Change and Environment.
- Minerals: Department of Mineral Resources.
State Enterprises and Public Organizations
To implement practical conservation and research, the MNRE oversees various entities, including the Botanical Garden Organization of Thailand (which manages the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden) and the Zoological Park Organization, which operates zoos in Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, Ubon Ratchathani, and Khon Kaen, as well as the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Other key entities include the Forest Industry Organization, the National Elephant Institute, the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO), and the Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Government of Thailand |
| Key Focus Areas | Water, Oceans, Minerals, Forests, and Climate Change |
| Strategic Period | 2017–2036 (B.E. 2560 – 2579) |
| Budget (FY2019) | 30,693 million baht |
Environmental Initiatives and Strategic Goals
The MNRE operates under a 20-Year Strategic Plan (2017–2036) that outlines six core strategies to address environmental challenges, with a specific emphasis on combating climate change in Strategy Five.
Combatting Plastic Waste
The ministry has taken aggressive steps to reduce plastic pollution. In August 2015, the MNRE launched a campaign encouraging citizens to use cloth bags on the 15th of every month. This initiative laid the groundwork for a more significant policy: the ban on single-use plastic bags at major retail outlets, which took effect on January 1, 2020.
Furthermore, to prevent Thailand from becoming a global dumping ground, the MNRE has moved to ban the import of plastic waste. This includes an initial ban on 411 types of e-waste (electronic waste), with a total ban on all plastic waste imports planned. Exceptions are made for clean steel, copper, and aluminum scraps for industrial use, as well as certain telecommunication products and copying machines intended for repair and reuse.
Forest Conservation and Challenges
Protecting forest areas is the primary strategy of the MNRE's master plan. Thailand's forested landscape is vast, consisting of:
- Conservation Forests: 80.88 million rai (129,410 km²)
- National Conservation Forests: 53.80 million rai (86,080 km²)
- Mangrove Areas: 1.534 million rai (2,454 km²)
The defense of these areas relies on approximately 20,000 forest rangers. However, these workers face significant hardships. Many are employed on temporary one- or four-year contracts with limited pay—ranging from 7,500 to over 10,000 baht per month—and lack access to government health coverage, despite the high risks associated with their duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary vision of the MNRE?
The vision of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is to return the natural environment to the Thai people and ensure that natural resources and environmental protection are integrated into the national government agenda to support social and economic development.
When did Thailand ban single-use plastic bags at major retailers?
The ban on single-use plastic bags at major retail outlets officially began on January 1, 2020, following earlier initiatives to encourage cloth bag usage.
How does the MNRE handle e-waste imports?
The MNRE has implemented a ban on 411 types of e-waste to prioritize public health and the environment over industrial development, though it allows the import of certain electronic telecommunication products and copying machines for the purpose of repair and reuse.
What are the different types of forest areas managed by the MNRE?
The ministry manages conservation forests (80.88 million rai), national conservation forests (53.80 million rai), and mangrove areas (1.534 million rai).
What is the duration of the MNRE's current strategic plan?
The ministry follows a 20-Year Strategic Plan (B.E. 2560 – 2579), which covers the period from 2017 to 2036.