PM stresses on path of sustainable growth through BCG model
The Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model will be the key to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Wednesday.
He made this remark during the “Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT) forum 2022: accelerating business solutions” to tackle climate and biodiversity challenges, at United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok.
The forum has been held annually since 2020 to create awareness among entrepreneurs on environment and natural resource preservation in a sustainable manner.
Prayut said Thailand is paying attention to environmental preservation, climate change and biodiversity, adding that these issues are a cause of political conflict and economic recession.
He added that tackling climate change and biodiversity loss would also result in sustainable economic growth.
"Hence, Thailand must take a clear stance on these issues to protect all groups of people in the long term," he said.
He explained that the BCG economy model focuses on using resources effectively, preserving the environment, enhancing the potential of agriculture, healthcare and tourism, to boost the country's economy in the long term.
He said Thailand is working on clean energy, marine resource, waste management and environment to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.
"Thailand is ready to forge cooperation among various sectors as these issues cannot be solved alone," he added.
Meanwhile, GCNT chairperson Suphachai Chearavanont said global diversity fell more than 68 per cent over the past four decades, accounting for US$44 trillion in economic loss.
"Hence, it is necessary to pay attention to climate change and biodiversity loss," he said, adding that government and private sectors should cooperate together to tackle those challenges.
He added that the GCNT supported the government's move to promote the BCG economy model among economic leaders during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit for sustainable growth.
Thailand will host the Apec Summit at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok on November 18-19.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Thailand, Gita Sabharwal, said climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution are affecting investment, business operations and even people's lives.
She urged all countries to be strict in greenhouse gas reduction to boost the recovery of tourism and economy in a sustainable way.
"Environment preservation can help boost the economy as a half of global gross domestic product came from natural resources," she said.
She added that new generation should be able to take part in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
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