The event is being held to raise public awareness about biodiversity loss and the critical need to raise and manage finances for biodiversity and ecosystem conservation in Thailand and across the globe.

Experts and advocates from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Biodiversity Finance Initiative (Biofin) and the government will attend the three-day event, which runs from today until Monday.

Various events will take place during the event, including roundtable discussions, exhibitions and workshops.

Thailand has made significant progress in protecting its biodiversity, although the gov?ernment and key players in finance and envi?ronmental policy must keep a close eye on the issue, said Martin Hart-Hansen, UNDP’s deputy resident representative.

“Strengthening collaboration between ministries, civil society, the UN and the pri?vate sector will provide an opportunity for the implementation of alternative financing mechanisms for the country’s biodiversity,” he said.

Important sectors in Thailand such as tourism, medicine/well-being and agricul?ture rely heavily on healthy and viable biodi?versity and ecosystems, he said.

Biofin Day is co-hosted by the Royal Plant Genetic Conservation Project, the National Economic and Social Development Board, and the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Planning and Policy.