Amid a global environmental crisis affecting people worldwide, youth voices are becoming a vital force for change. Darunathorn Foundation is advancing a learning platform through the Youth and Creation Care campaign, which aims to give young people opportunities to learn, take action, and grow as environmental leaders within their communities. This is part of their holistic child and youth development initiatives.
On 4–5 May 2026, at Horizon Village and Resort Hotel in Chiang Mai, a seminar and exhibition titled Youth and Creation Care: 1 Youth 1 Carbon Credit was held, drawing over 200 youth participants and interested attendees. The event featured knowledge exchanges, presentations, and creative activities that allowed participants to engage with environmental concepts through real experiences.
Mr. Sanya Lodapongpatthana, Director of the Church Partner Graduation Division at Darunathorn Foundation, along with the foundation’s team, warmly welcomed attendees. A key aim of the event was to make environmental issues relatable, helping youth learn about climate change, greenhouse gas reduction, and the concept of carbon credits.
The program also covered food security and resource efficiency through processes linking knowledge, community lifestyles, and practical action. These efforts not only instill responsibility for nature but also help young people see how environmental conservation can enhance quality of life and future sustainability.
Mr. Somkid Panyadee, Director of the Chiang Mai Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral participation. He highlighted that the environment relates to key provincial strategies in economy, tourism, security, and quality of life. He stressed that environmental solutions are a shared responsibility, especially for youth who will inherit resources and the future.
The event featured knowledge sharing from experts across fields, starting with Dr. Parichat Krongkan, member of the Technical Subcommittee on Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and Climate Change Impact Reduction at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, who shared perspectives on climate change and environmental impact management.
She presented research insights evaluating the outcomes and impacts of the Youth and Creation Care campaign through case studies on food security and carbon credit management led by a church-based child development project. This illustrated youth roles in driving tangible local change.
Research from eight leading churches—including Immanuel Pakham, Yaowarat, Mae Haen Nuea, Huai Krathing, Sangkhla Buri, Nong Muan, Pang Mahan, and Non Din Daeng churches—confirmed the significant influence of holistic child development processes in addressing global crises. Final data showed 353 youths sequestered 1,328,426.35 kilograms (1,328.43 tons) of carbon and contributed concretely to improved food security.
Another highlight was a lecture by Dr. Trinathawut Thuraworn, an independent scholar and Chair of the Ethnic Sufficiency Economy Learning Center 7 Korbung Model, and advisor to the Youth and Creation Care project. He shared experiences in natural farming and self-reliance, linking ethnic wisdom with balanced natural resource management, encouraging youth to appreciate community-level food security.
Dr. Jidapa Khumklang, a lecturer in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Mahidol University and environmental researcher, discussed carbon credits and youth roles in sustainable social development. She emphasized that environmental conservation connects not only to nature but also to quality of life, economy, and long-term community resilience.
A key feature of the event was an exhibition and workshop zone offering participants hands-on experiences in self-reliance through creative activities like weaving, coffee brewing, herbal tea blending, making herbal compresses, and preparing “Sa Joy,” a traditional food of the Lahu ethnic group. These activities reflected local wisdom and the community’s relationship with natural resources, supported by networks including Phueng Ton Phua Chat, Dee Mee Suk, Echo Asia Farm & Seed Bank, and School Coffee.
The inspiration stage included environmental and social enterprise practitioners sharing real experiences. These included Mr. Wipo Toser from Echo Asia and chair of Chiang Mai’s Thai Forest Conservation Youth Network, who spoke about his career as a conservationist and personal development; Mr. Borirak Apikantikul, owner of School Coffee, who discussed developing his coffee business alongside community opportunities; Mr. Watcharakorn Khantachirawat of Dee Mee Suk (Mai) Company Limited, who shared ideas on creating value from local resources; and Ms. Panray Paholyothin, founder of Phueng Ton Phua Chat Foundation, who reflected on community development through self-reliance and environmental care.
There was also a cooking demonstration by Chef Thanwa Jitnaree Boonsangwat from MasterChef and Chef Pop Trin Saoreuan, owner of Black Bakery, who crafted menus from local ingredients under the concept "From Local to Luxury." They conveyed ideas on enhancing community resource value through food and creativity, inviting youth to see local produce as sustainable economic opportunities.
Certificates of appreciation were awarded to agencies and exemplary individuals who played key roles in driving environmental conservation, natural farming, and food security efforts, recognizing collaboration and strengthening work networks.
Although the seminar and exhibition lasted only two days, the project’s goal extends beyond the conference room. The crucial aim is to apply the ideas and experiences gained back into participants’ own areas through community activities, natural farming development,
food security initiatives, and sustainable income generation. The Youth and Creation Care campaign demonstrates that when youth are given opportunities and space to learn, they can become a vital force in environmental stewardship and building a sustainable future for society.
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