Bangkok: The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has launched the "Hiking School" at Khao Yai National Park, marking a significant step towards enhancing ecotourism with a Leave No Trace approach.
According to Thai News Agency, the initiative, named "Hiking School...First Steps into the Vast Forest with Understanding," was inaugurated during a ceremony at Khao Yai National Park. The project addresses the environmental impacts of hiking, aiming to prevent accidents and raise awareness among hikers by equipping them with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes before they enter protected forest areas. Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, led the ceremony, unveiling the "Hiking School" symbol and presenting plaques to national parks that completed the hiking instructor training course.
Mr. Suchart Chomklin emphasized the importance of responsible hiking, stating, "Proper hiking is not just about the safety of tourists, but also about responsibility towards the forests and wildlife that we all must help protect." He highlighted that the Hiking School serves as a crucial starting point for instilling the right knowledge and awareness in both officials and tourists, thereby supporting the sustainable growth of Thailand's nature tourism while conserving natural resources.
Ms. Saisudjai Soonchawarit, Director of the National Parks Division, noted the rising popularity of hiking in national parks. However, the influx of tourists lacking proper hiking knowledge has led to safety issues and ecosystem disturbances. To address these challenges, the National Parks Division has established 10 "Hiking Schools" under the Minister's policy to train "Conservation Hiking Instructors." These instructors will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills based on the "Leave No Trace" principle, transforming general tourists into responsible hikers. The plan includes developing these schools into ecological learning centers nationwide, with specific training courses organized for the fiscal year 2026.
The launch of the "Hiking School" aims to promote tourism that aligns with sustainable natural resource conservation. The Department also plans to expand these ecological learning centers across all national parks and forest parks in Thailand. This expansion seeks to elevate Thailand's nature tourism standards to gain national and international recognition, ensuring the preservation of natural resources for future generations.