Activities on Biodiversity and Sustainable Development in Thailand

Morakot Tanticharoen
National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology [BIOTEC]
National Science and Technology Development Agency , Thailand

Due to its geographical position in the tropics and the climatic variations between north and south, Thailand is a country of high biological diversity reflected by the number of species. The data from World Bank [1992] indicated that there are approximately 14,000 species of vascular plants in Thailand . However, only 20% of the Thai plants have been deposited and well documented in “Flora of Thailand”.

Hawksworth [1991] presented estimates of global fungal biodiversity of 1.5 million species. Given that Thailand usually hosts 7-10% of the world total of biodiversity then we may assume 100,000-150,000 fungi in Thailand . Barely 1% of this presumed total has been described from Thailand too date. The total mycota of Thailand is therefore potentially very large with the country being at the junction of several natural highways linking south and north and thereon westwards.

Based on the fact that Thailand has an abundance of biological resources and the capacity to fast track certain aspects of the technology, the Thai Government foresees the potential of biotechnology towards the development of the country. On 18 March 2003 , the Cabinet agreed to establish a National Biotechnology Policy Committee, to be chaired by the Prime Minister, and assigning the National Science and Technology Development Agency [NSTDA] and National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology [BIOTEC] to serve as the secretariat of the Committee to develop the nation’s master plan for developing biotechnology.

The National Biotechnology Policy Framework was approved at the first meeting of the National Biotechnology Policy Committee on 23 December 2003 . Under the framework, biotechnology will be playing a vital role in the country’s development in line with government policy and the national agenda, which encompasses sustainable competitiveness, healthcare for all, equitable income distribution and a self-sufficient economy. In addition to being consistent with the national agenda and government policy directions, the national goals for biotechnology development are also derived from consideration to other dimensions. These include, among others, capability in and accessibility to technology, readiness and potential of the country and implications for the economy, society and the environment.

One of the 6 national goals is “Biotechnology as the key factor for self-sufficient economy”. The primary goal is to conserve and make best use of biological resources that are important to, or specific in, each local community. Biotechnology can be used to extend local wisdom, expand the diversity of products and value of local resources, as well as enhance local product quality.

Under the “Emergence and development of new bio-business” goal, the potential of biotechnology is utilized to encourage private sector to invest in research and development and the establishment of new biotechnology companies. Knowledge-based business including investment in bioinformatics research for new bioactive compounds, new drug targets and the search for genes from unculturable microorganisms are the focus.

In order to achieve all the afore-mentioned goals, infrastructure and human resources development are essential to support and strengthen core research. A technology acquisition plan is prepared by using strategic cooperation with international partners with emphasis on maintaining well balanced benefit sharing. In my presentation, I would like to share with you our experience on building Thailand ’s capacity on biodiversity management. I will present to you as well how BIOTEC manages biodiversity data using the Microbial Information Management System [MIMS]. This is the master database system for BIOTEC’s research operations, comprises a set of client-server systems processing and integrating the data ranging from field specimen collection, lab culture collection, fermentation operation, bioassay testing and chemical structure determination of isolated bioactive compounds. The information and knowledge gained provide the benefits not only for research community but to generate income by adding value to local resources in the local community as well. We are proud in our contribution to a Thai Government’s Project, “One Tambon [village] One Product” or “OTOP” and to join Small and Medium Enterprises [SMEs] to help the rural Thai communities, enhancing their living standards at the grass root level.