MI Teams Up with Khon Kaen Local Government to Launch a Single-Use Plastic Reduction Campaign in Night Markets

Agricultural Development and Commercialization

In a collective move to tackle the environmental impacts of plastic waste, Mekong Institute (MI) collaborated with local government authorities in Khon Kaen to initiate the ‘What’s SUP’ campaign, targeting the reduction of single-use plastics (SUP) in night markets. On April 5, 2024, MI hosted a pre-launch meeting to strengthen the partnership for the single-use plastic reduction initiative.

The campaign draws on the strengths and insights of various stakeholders, including the Khon Kaen Municipality Office, the Health and Environment Promotion Division, the Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, and the management teams of local markets. Their united front underscores a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and public health.

Highlighting the importance of the campaign, Deputy Mayor Mr. Boonyalit Phanichrungruong pointed out the urgent need for solid waste management solutions in Khon Kaen, which faces the challenge of managing approximately 150 tons of waste daily. He expressed his appreciation for the ‘What’s SUP’ campaign as a significant step towards mitigating this issue and expressed optimism for its potential to expand across the province.

During the pre-launch meeting, Ms. Jutamas Thongcharoen, Program Manager at MI’s Agricultural Development and Commercialization Department, emphasized the partnership of MI and Khon Kaen’s local government as a vital part of the campaign. Aside from the collaboration, she added that by promoting sustainable alternatives, the campaign is advocating for a greener today and securing a healthier tomorrow for our community.

Central to the campaign’s strategy is promoting sustainable practices and materials within the bustling hubs of Ton Tann and Mor Din Daeng night markets. Through bilateral meetings, community outreach, and educational initiatives, the project aims to foster a culture of environmental responsibility among vendors and patrons alike.

As Khon Kaen embarks on this journey, the ‘What’s SUP’ campaign stands as a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in addressing environmental challenges. It aligns with the province’s broader goals of promoting sustainability, protecting public health, and engaging the community in meaningful action for a better future.

The ‘What’s SUP’ campaign is part of MI’s broader environmental project titled “Upstream Single-use Plastics Reduction Solutions for Khon Kaen’s Street Food Complexes. ” The said project is supported by the Environmental Coalition on Standards (ECOS) and funded by the Norwegian Retailers’ Environmental Fund (NREF).

To learn more about the campaign, visit its official Facebook page at facebook.com/WhatsSUPKKC.

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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.