Bangkok, 24 September 2025 — SEAMEO BIOTROP, in collaboration with Kasetsart University Thailand and the SEAMEO Secretariat, successfully conducted the In-Country Training on Urban Farming for Sustainable Cultivation to Support Biodiversity Conservation, Education, and Food Security. The program was held from 22–24 September 2025 at the Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Thailand, and gathered 32 participants consisting of teachers, university representatives, and local community members. The training aimed to equip them with practical skills in sustainable cultivation to support biodiversity conservation.

The training was officially opened by Dr. Elis Rosdiawati, Deputy Director for Administration of SEAMEO BIOTROP. In her remarks, she underlined, “This training is not only about technical skills—hydroponics, mushroom cultivation, potted fruit farming, and tissue culture—but also about nurturing a vision of sustainability and resilience. Teachers are pillars of knowledge who will ensure that the impact of this training reaches classrooms and communities.”

The opening address was delivered by Dr. John Arnold Sasi Siena, Deputy Director for Programme and Development of the SEAMEO Secretariat, representing SEAMEO Secretariat Director Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim. He highlighted, “By equipping teachers with urban farming skills, sustainability practices are not only applied in classrooms but also extended to students, families, and communities.” He also emphasized SEAMEO BIOTROP’s role in advancing capacity building in urban farming not only in Indonesia but also across Southeast Asia.

Participants came from a wide range of educational institutions and community groups in Thailand. These included teachers from Klong Song Krathiam School, Satri Wat Rakhang School, and Lampang Rajabhat University, as well as representatives from Srinakharinwirot University, the Digital Agriculture & Industry Promotion Association, and local farmers from Chonburi Province. Their diverse backgrounds enriched the discussions and strengthened the exchange of experiences throughout the three days of training.

The program featured resource persons who shared both theory and practice. Dr. Doni Yusri, Deputy Director for Program of SEAMEO BIOTROP, delivered insights on sustainable agriculture. Hydroponics sessions were led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Pariyanuj Chulaka of Kasetsart University together with Ms. Dewi Suryani from SEAMEO BIOTROP. Plant tissue culture techniques were guided by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phruet Rachrak of Kasetsart University with support from Ms. Dewi Suryani and Ms. Lillys Betty of SEAMEO BIOTROP. Mushroom cultivation was facilitated by Assoc. Prof. Tharnrat Kaewgrajang of Kasetsart University, while fruit cultivation in containers was presented by Dr. Rattaphon Chatbanyong of Kasetsart University.

A key outcome of the training was the development of Action Plans, where each participant committed to implementing urban farming initiatives in their schools and communities. These included setting up hydroponic gardens, establishing mushroom cultivation units, and promoting potted fruit systems. Evaluations showed significant improvement in participants’ technical skills, knowledge, and motivation to integrate sustainable practices into both teaching and community projects.

One participant from Satri Wat Rakhang School shared, “This training has inspired me to start a hydroponic garden in my school. I believe it will not only provide healthy food but also serve as a living laboratory for students to learn about sustainability and biodiversity.” Testimonials like this reflect the enthusiasm and commitment of participants to extend the benefits of the program far beyond the training venue.

SEAMEO BIOTROP invites educators, researchers, and community leaders to continue collaborating in advancing sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation in Southeast Asia. More information and updates are available through the official channels of SEAMEO BIOTROP.

SEAMEO BIOTROP (Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Tropical Biology) is one of the regional centers under the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). Established in 1968 and based in Bogor, Indonesia, SEAMEO BIOTROP serves as a hub for research, training, and information dissemination in tropical biology, with the mandate to nurture nature and sustain the future through education, research, and regional partnerships.