Suan Dusit University (SDU) implements its environmental sustainability efforts under the “Environmental Quality, Energy, and Resource Management Policy,” officially enacted in 2022. This policy serves as the university’s master framework for natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable campus development. It demonstrates SDU’s commitment to becoming a Green University and a Living Laboratory for Sustainability, integrating learning, research, and operational practices to protect terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity within and beyond the university’s boundaries.
เปิดหน้าประกาศตามลิงค์ https://sdg.dusit.ac.th/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Announcement-of-Environmental-Quality-Management-Policy.pdf
Policy on Monitoring and Protecting Conservation Species
The policy commits the university to conduct all environmental, energy, and resource management activities in accordance with national environmental laws, standards, and regulations. It also outlines specific strategies to maintain and enhance green spaces and to promote ecological landscaping in order to support the conservation of native and ecologically significant plant species within the university’s operational areas.
Under this policy, SDU implements initiatives in collaboration with the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG–SDU). This long-standing initiative focuses on the identification, documentation, and conservation of rare and native plant species of Thailand, some of which are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and Thailand’s National Conservation List. Examples include Elaeocarpus hygrophilus (Maput), Dillenia indica (Elephant Apple), and Melodorum fruticosum(Lamduan). These species are cultivated and preserved within the university’s botanical learning areas and research gardens, ensuring their long-term protection and genetic continuity.
In addition, the policy supports the establishment of a biodiversity monitoring system within the university. The Institute for Research and Development and the Environmental and Energy Management Unit are tasked with monitoring local biodiversity, documenting ecological changes, and preventing habitat degradation in areas affected by campus operations. This monitoring process not only helps safeguard biodiversity but also serves as a foundation for teaching and research in environmental stewardship and ecosystem protection.
Policy on Alien Species Impact Reduction
Beyond native species conservation, SDU’s environmental policy includes a clear commitment to reducing the impact of alien and invasive species. The policy encourages all campuses and facilities to implement ecological landscaping principles, prioritizing the use of native plant species (local flora) and avoiding invasive or non-native plants that could disrupt local ecosystems.
This approach is reflected in ongoing activities such as green area restoration, native tree planting campaigns, and eco-landscape development at the Suphan Buri Campus and other sites. These initiatives promote sustainable land management by enhancing local habitat connectivity and restoring ecological balance. Collaborative reforestation and native tree planting events involving students, staff, and local communities also help build awareness and shared responsibility for protecting natural habitats.
By adopting ecological landscaping and native species restoration, the university minimizes ecological risks posed by alien species and maintains biodiversity resilience. These efforts align with global best practices in alien species impact reduction and reinforce the university’s role as a learning hub for sustainable ecosystem management.
Monitoring, Review, and Public Accessibility
The policy mandates regular review and evaluation every five years by the University Environmental and Energy Management Committee to ensure ongoing alignment with national and international sustainability frameworks. Since its promulgation in 2022, the policy remains active within the evaluation period (2021–2025) defined by THE Sustainability Impact Ratings. The document is publicly accessible through the university’s official website, ensuring transparency and accountability to all stakeholders.
Conclusion
The Environmental Quality, Energy, and Resource Management Policy (2022) of Suan Dusit University serves as direct policy evidence covering both
- Monitoring and protection of IUCN and nationally listed conservation species, and
- Reduction of alien species impact within university-managed ecosystems.
Through this integrated policy, SDU demonstrates a proactive institutional framework that combines biodiversity conservation, ecological landscaping, and environmental governance to protect ecosystems and promote sustainable development. The policy reflects SDU’s broader vision of harmonizing human activity with nature and cultivating a culture of environmental stewardship across its academic community.
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