BANGKOK — The U.S. Embassy launched “Virtual Jungle Thailand” on Thursday at FabCafe in the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC).
This innovative digital campaign aims to promote wildlife conservation and raise awareness about threats facing endangered species in Thailand using extended reality (XR) and augmented reality (AR) technology. The initiative combines digital and physical engagement to showcase the collaborative efforts of the United States and Thailand in wildlife preservation.
The six-month campaign, running from July to December 2024, includes hands-on workshops for youth and the public. Kalaya Kovidvisith, the Virtual Jungle Thailand app developer and a special lecturer in innovation and technology at Chulalongkorn and Thammasat Universities, will teach participants how to use technology to protect wildlife.
Additionally, the campaign features outreach activities such as a U.S. Photography Exhibition with National Geographic.
“Virtual Jungle Thailand” promotes ethical tourism and discourages harmful animal encounters, aiming for a brighter future for Thailand’s incredible creatures. By educating and engaging users, the campaign seeks to reduce visits to wildlife petting zoos and tiger parks where tourism exploitation often overshadows Thailand’s wildlife beauty.
U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Robert F. Godec, noted that Thailand has been the United States’ oldest friend in Asia for over 190 years, with environmental cooperation crucial to bilateral relations. “We have worked together to reduce air pollution and combat climate change, all to preserve our natural heritage for future generations,” he said. “Additionally, we have joined forces in wildlife conservation and achieved notable successes in collaborating and combating wildlife trafficking.”
Mr. Godec explained that the “Virtual Jungle Thailand” application aims to raise awareness about threats facing endangered species in Thailand. This initiative allows people to design and share animals with friends and others, playing an important role in raising public awareness about Thailand’s remarkable biodiversity, the threats against it, and potential solutions.
“Our shared responsibility is to protect endangered species and natural resources. At this moment, our planet is losing wildlife faster than at any other time since the disappearance of the dinosaurs. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference,” he remarked.
The U.S. Embassy also invited people to visit the National Geographic Photo Ark Exhibition, open at Siam Paragon through July 29, 2024. The exhibition aims to inspire people to care for and protect animals for future generations and ignite a commitment to conservation and positive impact.
Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor added, “We manage and protect U.S. public lands, protected areas, and natural resources, including wildlife. Our mission also has an international impact as the water and resources we manage, the people we serve, and the species we protect extend beyond our borders.”
One of the Interior Department’s priorities under the Biden-Harris Administration is to work with global partners to tackle climate and biodiversity crises. They are leading efforts to conserve 30% of lands and oceans by 2030 through the America the Beautiful Initiative, emphasizing inclusivity and amplifying the voices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, especially young people.
“We recognize the importance of international cooperation in restoring balance to the natural world and are proud of the collaboration between Interior and our conservation partners in Thailand,” said Cantor.
Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service has granted $3 million to conserve wildlife in Thailand. This funding is crucial for protecting species such as Asian elephants, tigers, and great apes. The grants support habitat restoration in protected areas, reduction of human-wildlife conflict, and efforts to counter wildlife trafficking in Thailand.
The international attaché program supports capacity building and information sharing with the Thai government and regional partners while coordinating international wildlife crime investigations. Senior Special Agent James Markley, the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Attaché based in Bangkok, has worked to support Interior’s wildlife law enforcement partnership with Thailand and neighboring countries.
Markley identified three primary challenges in wildlife conservation:
- Cooperation and awareness: Informing and engaging communities is crucial.
- Cultural considerations: Addressing the use of wildlife in traditional practices and ceremonies requires sensitivity. “We need to balance conservation efforts with cultural respect, finding alternatives to using wildlife solely for cultural purposes,” Markley explained.
- Resource allocation: Despite increased funding support, financial and logistical resources remain a significant hurdle.
“These challenges are interconnected and complex,” Markley added. “While we’ve made progress, especially in funding, these issues continue to require our focused attention and innovative solutions.”
Mr. Godec added that public awareness of illegal wildlife trafficking processes is crucial. “If we understand which animal parts are being trafficked or how animals are being exploited, we can work together more effectively to protect wildlife. Gradually increasing awareness in this area will greatly help our efforts,” he said.
“Students are the strength of the new generation, representing the future and unlimited possibilities. They have a powerful voice in society. Even small actions can make a significant difference. These positive actions have no limits and are only constrained by our imagination,” he said.
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