Raising Environmental Awareness in Thailand
On 3rd June 2016, Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing Co.,Ltd (TDEM) held a grand event to celebrate the launch of the TDEM Eco Learning Center, which is located within the TDEM plant itself. The establishment of the TDEM Eco Learning Center shows Toyota’s significant progress under the 6thAsia Pacific Environmental Action Plan.
Presiding over the launch was President of TDEM, Mr. Tatsuro Takami, who participated in a tree-planting ceremony, followed by a tour of the center.
A Learning Center For Sustainability And Biodiversity
The TDEM Eco Learning Center was founded with three main objectives. First, the Center aims to spread environmental awareness through programmes and exhibitions. These activities, aimed at children and youth in particular, will share the importance of environmental conservation. Second, the Eco Learning Center will advocate sustainable practices for suppliers, affiliates, and partners in Thailand’s automotive industry. Lastly, the Center will promote and carry out activities under the 6th AP Environmental Action Plan.
The Eco Learning Center has four information stations constructed at various points of the park. The first station takes visitors through the origin of the Eco Forest, and the methods used to ensure the growth of a successful plantation.
The second station points out the extensive biodiversity that exists today within the Eco Forest – with over 43 species of trees.
The third station describes the role forests play in the hydrological cycle, or the water cycle in which trees transpire and add water to the atmosphere. This moisture from trees is what leads to the formation of rain clouds, and ultimately, rainfall. In areas that have been heavily deforested, the lack of trees and an unhealthy water cycle in turn cause a decline in rainfall or even drought.
The last station in the Eco Learning Center imparts lessons on the importance of renewable energy. Several Toyota manufacturing plants in Asia have switched to clean energy deployment, with the use of solar rooftop panels. Similarly, solar panels are installed atop this station – the energy generated from these panels aid in providing power for the park.
Each station portrays different environmental concepts or stories, but all convey the same underlying message – that of loving and preserving the environment.