With just a few months before the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen, the penultimate meeting of 192 countries is currently being held in Bangkok.
In his opening address, Thai Prime Minister Abahsit Vejjajiva said, “Our children and grandchildren will never forgive us unless action is taken. Time is running out. We have two months before Copenhagen. Much needs to be done, and much needs to be resolved. Let us use the two weeks in Bangkok to the full to ensure the future.”
SeafoodSource asked Tara Buakamsri, Greenpeace campaign manager for Thailand and Southeast Asia, about his environmental activist organization’s stance on the various marine issues affecting the livelihoods of millions of people across the region.
Ray: Does the Bangkok office deal with all Southeast Asia Greenpeace campaigns?
Tara: Yes, we are the headquarters for Greenpeace campaigns in Southeast Asia, but with a particular emphasis on Thailand. Other countries such as Indonesia also have offices and campaigns.
Concerning the negotiations being held in Bangkok this week and the UNFCCC in Copenhagen, is Greenpeace looking for any specific proposals and agreements that could directly impact Thai and Southeast Asian coastal communities?
We are looking for agreements which will address all the environmental issues for all ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, not just Thailand. At the moment the main focus of our campaign is on forest protection, but marine issues will be addressed in the future. Our intention is to look at fishing and marine problems in the coming years.
Thailand is one of the world’s largest seafood exporters. With this in mind, does Greenpeace plan to look at issues such as overfishing, illegal fishing and operating in the territorial waters of foreign countries?
Yes, there are already local initiatives where Greenpeace works with local fishing communities. Advice on sustainability and illegal fishing practices are included in our work with the fisher folk of Thailand.
Is Thailand becoming more concerned with environmental issues?
In the past 10 years there has been increased concern amongst all sectors of Thai society with regards to environmental issues. As people are more directly affected by things such as flooding, landslides and coastal degradation, then they have taken a greater interest in our work.
