BIOLOGICAL WAY OF LIFE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Abstract

Today’s power generation and transmission utilities are substantially different from the traditional utilities of the 21st century. They must aim not only for better performance. But also improved quality of life under the conviction that long-term consumer satisfaction and welfare take priority over revenues. This paper describes the implementation of a unique social project, inspired by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has undertaken with the mission of elevating stangards of living of the Thai people

Introduction

Excerpt from His Majesty the King’s Royal Address
4th December 1997

“…In truth I have always said in such meetings that it is not important to be a ‘tiger’. What’s important is to be self-sufficient, and to have and economy and a way of life that are self sufficiency. Self sufficiency means being able to stand on one’s own feet and having enough for oneself…”

Her Majesty the Queen’s Support for the Royal Initiative

In 1998, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit paid a royal visit to EGAT’s Siringhorn Dam in Northeastern Thailand, also known as the E-Sarn region. Her Majesty expressed glandness to see that the E-Sarn people were enjoying a better quality of life.Communities had reduced their dependence on chemical fertilizers, and were practicing “natural” or “bio” farming methods, and raising poultry and fish to supplement their income. Her Majesty took note of this and told Mr.Viravat Chlayon, then Governor of EGAT, that EGAT should help to promote similar ways of life in other regions of Thailand. Her Majesty wished to see Thai people improve their lives by following the concept of self sufficiency recommended by His Majesty King Bhumibol.

Implementation of the Project

The key instrument for an economically sustainable way of life, which would assist the concept of self sufficiency, was introduced by the Training Division of EGAT in the form of Effective Micro-organisms Technology (EM). Acclaimed by many industrialized nations including Japan. EM has been tested to produce good yields when replacing chemical fertilizersin farming and agriculture.

A group of project leaders from the Training Division undertook indepth studies of EM with the Queen’s Guards at their military camp in E-Sarn, in preparation for launching the “Biological Way of Life for Sustainable Development Project.” This group then trained EGAT staff on a wide range of applications for EM-ranging from plant cultivation to livestock and poultry farming, and even day-to-day life. With positive feedback from pilot activities, EGAT staff scaled up the project by going on to train interested communities living near EGAT sites. Training consists of lectures and demonstrations of EM applications. Awareness and acceptance of EM technology have spread quickly. The project is now widely known, and encompasses agriculture, fishery, livestock, and environmental conservation.

EGAT’s Commitment

Implementation of the project has received steadfast support from EGAT administration over the last six years, with satisfactory results. EGAT firmly believes that the “Biological Way of Life for Sustainable Development Project” offers a brighter future and way of life for the Thai people, EM applications help to ensure adequate food for consumption within the family, as well as for earning a modest income. The technology helps to raise standards of living and quality of life. Morecover, the project is reviving the traditional values of generosity and cooperation within Thai society-creating and atmosphere of caring, sharing, and helping one another. In this way. Thailand can look forward to sustainable growth and development on the foundation of a healthy and happy society. EGAT seeks to expand the project to other communities living close to its electricity generating sites or dams. This would gradually cover all regions in Thailand. Because the mission began with the involvement of the Training Division and EGAT’s people. Now the “Biological Way of Life for Sustainable Development Project” is continuing to run under the auspices of the Biological Way of Life for Sustainable Development Division.

Mind Mapping for the Expected Outcomes of
a Biological Way of Life for
Sustainable Development Project