Bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Hua Hin

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Phuket has been chosen as the central location for the Urban Act initiative, a project aimed at promoting low-carbon and resilient urban development across the Asia-Pacific region. The official announcement was made during a meeting at the Phuket Provincial Hall, attended by Governor Sophon Suwannarat and Vice Governor Ronnarong Tipsiri.

 

The Urban Act Project began in April 2022 and is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action through their International Climate Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to support Thailand’s contributions to the Nationally Determined Contributions and Sustainable Development Goals. It aims to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen urban communities against climate change impacts.

 

The meeting included important figures such as Heinrich Gudenus, Director of the Urban Act Project, along with Anchalee Tanwanich and Monthathai Rattanapong. Representatives from the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) and other key partners were also present. The project focuses on pilot locations including Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Phuket.

 

Heinrich Gudenus expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We’re proud to collaborate in Thailand with significant partners like the Ministry of Interior and the Office of Public Sector Integrity. Our focus spans from local Sustainable Development Goals to comprehensive climate action, crucial for building sustainable urban futures."

 

The choice of Phuket emphasizes Thailand’s innovative approach to eco-friendly city planning. The Ministry of Interior is leading this critical project with support from agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning and the Thai Meteorological Department, collaborating with GIZ and renowned German universities.

 

Chamnanwit Terat, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Interior, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, saying, “Our mission to enhance well-being is closely linked to addressing climate change, a significant issue impacting urban life and public welfare.”

 

This eco-friendly initiative extends beyond Thailand. Through the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), cities like Hat Yai and Nakhon Sri Thammarat are also planning climate-conscious urban developments.

 

Johannes Kerner from the German Embassy in Bangkok highlighted the importance of cities in combating climate change, saying, "Engaged cities are crucial for climate action. Sustainable urban transformation benefits societies, ecosystems, and economies, especially in low-income areas."

 

With Phuket leading this initiative, the island is setting a standard for developing greener, smarter urban environments, encouraging others to follow suit in climate action efforts.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-30