Making the most of Mother Nature

The Power Green Camp – a collaborative exercise held annually by the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, and energy giant Banpu – is now in its thirteenth year and is inviting high-school students majoring in science to make the most of their available time during the midyear break to by learning about biodiversity while also making new friends at the camp, which runs from October 18 to 25.

“Banpu firmly believes that learning is the power of change and development. For more than a decade, the Power Green Camp has focused on developing the new generation’s potential and skills and preparing them to grow up to become important forces in driving their communities and society forward by using the knowledge and experience they gain from the camp and adapting these to best suit the rapidly changing world. This year, we are placing emphasis on developing the economy and society while conserving the environment and ensuring stability of the country’s fundamental resources. In designing the camp’s activities, we have focused on creating a balance between environmental conservation and utilisation. We need to connect cooperation between every sector by supporting the new generation to make use of biodiversity in line with market demand by developing and increasing the value of products that enhance traditional wisdom. This will result in a wellbalanced and sustainable society,” says Udomlux Olarn, head of Bangpu’s corporate affairs.

Themed “Managing Biodiversity and Creatively Increasing its Economic Value”, the Power Green Camp 13 is open to 70 high-school students in Grade 10 and 11 majoring in science, who can demonstrate their passion for protecting the environment. The camp will be held at the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Salaya campus.
In addition to learning the theoretical aspects of environmental science, participants will be able to combine their artistic skills and environmental science knowledge to put together creative works. They will get to listen to real experiences from entrepreneurs in various businesses who apply biodiversity to generate income in a creative way and also take part in excursions to role model communities in Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi provinces to learn more about how they can creatively utilise biodiversity to add more value to their local products.
Under the Power Green Camp’s concept “Enviscience: Learning through Actions”, all 70 selected students will participate in the activities, which kick off with lessons conducted by lecturers of the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University on the importance of preservation and creating value added for biodiversity. Students will learn in practical terms how to create value added through the experiences shared by various businesses entrepreneurs, and further extend their knowledge by participating in different activities during the camp, such as a photography and painting workshop with naturalist, environmental writer and photographer Dome Pratumtong.

They will also go on trips to learn about the commercial usage of natural resources with local business owners and learn in depth the process of organic farming with local farmers at Sookjai Market and Chao Suan School in Nakhon Pathom’s Sam Phran district. The students will also travel to the community forest of Kanchanaburi’s Lum Sum sub-district, where they will see first-hand how the locals have been able to utilise biodiversity in their sustainable careers through efficient management of resources. 
At the end of the camp, students will compete for a Bt30,000 scholarship through the environmental scientific group project contest and will also get a chance to join an environmental excursion overseas. 
Science major high-school students in Grade 10 and 11 can download the application from www.PowerGreencamp.com and submit a handwritten application no longer than one sheet of A4 size paper or a 1-minute video clip plus other documents as indicated. Applications must be received no later than August 31, 2018.
For more updates and information on the camp, along with required qualifications and additional criteria, visit Facebook.com/powergreencamp or call (02) 441 5000 extension 2112.