Bayer - Eco-Minds - Program & Activity

Eco-Minds 2007

Program & Activity

The last Eco-Minds Forum, organized within the scope of the Bayer/UNEP partnership, was held in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 31 to June 3, 2007. 27 young delegates from nine countries came together to discuss creative and practical uses of science and technology in order to address the challenges of sustainable development.

The program is developed in collaboration with universities, and was the turn of Mahidol University, Bangkok. The activities, under the topic "Thinking Sustainability: Fresh Water Supply", were designed to encourage students to develop scientific, interdisciplinary and sustainable solutions. It included substantive presentations, lectures from prominent speakers and discussions, exploratory excursions and challenging group work.

Key Components

Welcome
As an introduction to traditional Thai culture and architecture, on the first day participants were taken to visit Bangkok’s premier tourist attractions, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Everyone was sure to be fascinated by the splendid architecture and rich royal heritage. During the evening cruise along the Chao Phraya River, the view on both sides at sunset was unforgettable. The boat took the participants to Chakrabongse Villas, built in 1908 for His Royal Highness Prince Chakrabong, son of King Rama V, where the Bayer Thai Company hosted a special welcome dinner.

Opening Ceremony and Forum
The official opening ceremony on May 31, 2007 was held at the Grand Ballroom of Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa. Renowned national and international speakers have been invited to the forum to present and discuss their perspectives on sustainable development.

Excursions
The end of the opening day the group departed for the Ruam-Tawan Centre, the environmental learning centre in Kanchanaburi province. There, participants enjoyed a nature walk through the wildlife sanctuary where activities such as ecological learning, animal tracking, plant species studying, and bird watching were enjoyed.

The next day, the participants embarked on an exploratory excursion to learn about lifestyles and activities along the Mae Klong River. The excursion started from Kanchanaburi province, passing Ratchburi province and reaching Nakhon Prathom as the final destination. Participants checked in to the Rose Garden Riverside, where they stayed in pleasant accommodation in a beautifully landscaped 70-acre botanical park.

Team Work and Presentations
While at the Rose Garden Riverside, multi-cultural and interdisciplinary group discussions of a case study about “Sustainable River Basins” were organized, and the presentation of the team work results were prepared .

Award Ceremony and Performance
The closing night ceremony featured some impressive Thai performances and the announcement of the winners of various awards. In addition, all participants received the Eco-Minds certificate.

The intention is that the friendly and team-oriented atmosphere of the Eco-Minds forum will bind delegates to a strong network for future cooperation in sustainable development.