November 20, 2024 – The Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office (BEDO), in collaboration with the National Institute of Genetics (NIG) from Japan, successfully hosted the 2nd Asia ABS Academic Forum (AAAF) at The Berkeley Hotel, Pratunam, Bangkok. The event aimed to exchange ideas and practices on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) of biological resources within the Asia region.
The forum was opened by Dr. Tanit Changthavorn, President of AAAF, followed by a keynote speech by Mr. Prasert Sirinapaporn, Secretary-General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), Thailand.
Key discussions at the forum included: A country report on Thailand’s, presented by Mr. Suwee Ngandee, Deputy Director of BEDO. Updates from Japan, delivered by Dr. Mutsuaki Suzuki, Director of ABS Support, NIG. Insights from Korea, presented by Dr. Seon Lee from the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB). A special lecture on the Role of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) in ABS was delivered by Ms. Che de Jesus, Director of ABS.
In the afternoon, the forum showcased case studies and regional initiatives on ABS. Highlights included a presentation by Dr. Suwit Chaikiattiyos, Consultant of the Agricultural Research Development Agency (ARDA), Thailand, as well as contributions from representatives of Japan and Malaysia.
The event attracted over 80 participants from government agencies, private sectors, academic institutions, and research organizations.
