MI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR. SURIYAN VICHITLEKARN, PROPOSES INTEGRATED FORESTRY APPROACH FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN THE GMS

Sustainable Energy and Environment

September 4 – 8, 2023, Kunming City, China – The Presidents’ Forum of Forestry Universities/Institutes in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) witnessed Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, the Executive Director of the Mekong Institute, deliver a keynote speech and a presentation, outlining strategic approaches to integrate forestry into the region’s development and cooperation for sustainable growth.

In his keynote address, Mr. Suriyan emphasized the pivotal role of sustainable forest management in the GMS, highlighting the importance of forests in climate change mitigation. He called for enhanced cross-border cooperation to address issues like illegal logging and wildlife trafficking. He also stressed the need for continuous capacity building and knowledge sharing among forestry institutions.

Mr. Suriyan also highlighted the upcoming GMS Summit in late 2024 in China, an ideal opportunity to elevate the profile of the forestry sector and its role in sustaining growth in the GMS.

He expounded his points during Session 2 of the forum, outlining three essential work streams to sustain growth in the GMS. These are as follows:

  1. Promoting a Green and Resilient Economy: Fostering environmentally sustainable practices in supply chains, transport, agriculture, and energy.
  2. Ensuring Natural Resource Functionality: Safeguarding water, forests, biodiversity, and ecosystem services that underpin livelihoods and economic activities.
  3. Enhancing Preparedness and Response: Building capacity to address extreme shocks, climate change impacts, and transboundary issues like haze and ONE Health.

“Under the work streams, MI recognizes strong linkages between the forestry sector and the GMS cooperation and integration, which goes much beyond a sectoral development and cooperation but also contributes to sustaining growth in the GMS,” Mr. Suiryan explained.

He discussed the possible linkages between forestry and GMS cooperation & integration. Key areas include forestry research and education, advocacy for co-benefits in economic development and sustainable forest management, addressing transboundary issues, and facilitating access to development funds and green financing.

Mr. Suriyan recommended two key approaches to effectively integrate forestry into GMS cooperation and integration: first, by enhancing synergies through regional cooperation and aligning forestry with the Three Cs concept (Connectivity, Competitiveness, Community); and second, by emphasizing the role of forestry in regional economic corridors and special economic zones.

He mentioned areas for cooperation and partnership which include policy advocacy, research, capacity development, technology adoption through South-South/triangular cooperation, pilot projects, area-based activities, and integration into regional initiatives like GMS regional economic corridors and smart cities. Promoting industry-led initiatives is also encouraged to advance forestry-related goals in the GMS.

In closing, Mr. Suriyan conveyed the Mekong Institute’s eagerness to collaborate with all stakeholders to support sustainable growth in the GMS and integrate the forestry sector into the broader regional cooperation and integration efforts.

Around 100 representatives including presidents and deans of universities and institutes from GMS economies and regional international organizations convened during the forum.

MI’s participation in the forum helped further set the stage for meaningful discussions and cooperation in the field of forestry and regional development in the GMS.

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Mrs. Guohua Liu

Director, Sustainable Energy & Environment (SEE) Department

Mrs. Liu Guohua is the Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Department at the Mekong Institute. Prior to this role, she worked in the Department of International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, where she played a key role in shaping and implementing China’s cooperation strategies with UN development agencies. During this time, Mrs. Liu was actively involved in advancing initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on climate change and green development. Additionally, she contributed to the evaluation of projects funded by various Chinese initiatives, such as the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, etc.

In addition to her work in the Department of International Economic Affairs, Mrs. Liu has an extensive diplomatic background. She spent 7 years in the Department of African Affairs, followed by a 4-year tenure at the Chinese Embassy in Lao PDR, where she gained deep expertise in both Southeast Asian and African affairs. These diverse experiences have played a crucial role in shaping her approach to sustainable development and international collaboration, particularly in building regional partnerships and tackling global challenges like climate change.

She holds a Master’s degree in Economics, with a specialization in Finance, from the Central University of Finance and Economics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, specializing in International Economics and Trade, from the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics.