The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has partnered with the Thai Coral Reef and Marine Life Conservation Foundation under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya on the Upcycling for Life project, which converts discarded marine plastic waste and abandoned fishing nets into repositioning sheets for bedridden patients. The project supports marine conservation while turning waste into medical products through circular economy principles.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin presided over a ceremony handing over raw materials to the foundation, represented by Vice Chairman Adm. Suvin Jangyodsuk. Also attending were Permanent Secretary Raweewan Bhuridej, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Director-General Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, King Prajadhipok's Institute Secretary-General Assoc. Prof. Dr. Issara Sereewatthanawut, ministry executives, participants in the Advanced Certificate Program in Public Economy Administration for Senior Executives (PPA) Class 15, Lion Group, and representatives of partner organizations.

PET bottles, abandoned fishing nets, and other marine debris are collected through the ministry's Green Office program, coastal cleanups, and community recovery efforts before being sorted at a school-operated waste bank in Tha Kham Subdistrict, Chachoengsao province, and processed by private-sector manufacturers into repositioning sheets made entirely from upcycled materials.

The project addresses marine plastic pollution while helping bedridden patients gain access to affordable medical support equipment. The campaign also demonstrates how cooperation among government agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society can turn discarded materials into products that benefit both people and the environment.

Source: NBT World
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