Irina Goryunova, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Thailand, stated: “The current climate crisis is increasingly affecting the loss of the world's biodiversity. The impacts of these crises go beyond environmental issues and affect almost all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in the areas of health, food security, and access to water. Vulnerable groups are likely to be the most affected and may be left behind if there is no collaborative effort to address the issues from all sectors. Research by UNDP shows a decline in government budget for biodiversity management over the past decade. Meanwhile, private sector involvement in this agenda remains limited, reflecting the need to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity for various sectors, especially businesses, which play a crucial role in driving a nature-friendly economy.”

Prasert Sirinapaporn, ONEP Secretary-General, remarked: “National policy and legislation is a country instrument which focuses on conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity. It also offers opportunities for cooperation and partnerships among diverse sectors such as government sector, public sector, businesses, finance, banking, and civil society to achieve global and national goals in alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This includes addressing to close the biodiversity finance gap by promoting the role of businesses in operating with environmental and biodiversity responsibility.”

Pornanong Budsaratragoon, SEC Secretary-General, said: "SEC is committed to promoting the integration of ESG factors and SDGs into the business operations of Thai listed companies throughout their value chains. This will help mitigate negative impacts and amplify positive outcomes for both businesses and society. By adhering to international standards, listed companies can disclose such information to relevant stakeholders, especially global investors. Biodiversity is now a key issue in the SDGs, and the world is exploring measures to protect biodiversity, which may lead to more stringent regulations. Standards-setting bodies may also introduce new financial disclosure standards related to biodiversity, which could impact business operations. Therefore, understanding and integrating biodiversity into sustainable business practices will help reduce risks, create new market opportunities, and enhance business competitiveness."

The seminar featured presentations from experts representing key organizations involved in biodiversity conservation. Prasert Sirinapaporn, ONEP Secretary-General, delivered a presentation titled “Securing Thailand’s Future: The Critical Role of Biodiversity and Policy Direction.” In his presentation, he discussed the importance and direction of Thailand's biodiversity policy, emphasizing the need for businesses to prepare for future policies and regulations, particularly regarding biodiversity-related disclosures.

Pornruthai Chotivijit, a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officer from IUCN Thailand, provided “An Overview of the Global Framework of Standards and Guidelines Related to Biodiversity Disclosure" including approaches
to assessing biodiversity risks and impacts.

Areewan Aimdilokwong, SEC Assistant Secretary-General, highlighted "The Importance of Biodiversity-Conscious Business Practices and 56-1 One Report,” emphasizing the benefits and opportunities for listed companies to disclose such information, and outlined global trends in biodiversity disclosure. Additionally, she provided examples of effective disclosure practices and how to integrate such information into company reports.

A panel discussion titled "Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: Business Leading in the Way in Biodiversity" provided a platform for high-level executives to share their insights and experiences. Panelists included Angkana Tepprasertwangsa, President of the Thai Listed Companies Association, Chana Poomee, Chief Sustainability Officer at Siam Cement Group, and Prapasri Puntujariya, Sustainability Management Manager at Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited. Moderated by Benjamas Chotthong, Director of the Project Development and Planning Program at the Thai Environment Institute, the panel discussed the motivations behind their companies' focus on biodiversity, the value derived from such drivers, challenges, initiatives, and opportunities integrating into corporate strategies. The panel emphasized the critical role of biodiversity in business success and the need for industry-wide adoption of sustainable practices integrated into the entire business value chain, with a view that businesses, regardless of their size, can implement these practices.

A recording of the seminar "Elevating Biodiversity Literacy and Awareness" is accessible on the SEC website at www.sec.or.th/onereport and ThaiSEC YouTube Channel.