Following the laboratory visits, Dr. Ekkarut presented an overview of the project’s achievements, challenges, and lessons learned, as well as updates on activities that have continued beyond the project period. These include the development of two draft technical standards, ongoing collaboration with research and industrial partners in Thailand and China, and potential areas of research cooperation requiring further support from Chinese counterparts.

The discussion also covered key challenges and opportunities across the Thailand–China railway industry value chain. Topics included pathways for translating research outputs into the local production of railway spare parts and components, as well as the potential application of technical standards developed through the project within railway systems across Mekong–Lancang Cooperation member countries align with “Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)”.

Dr. Pornpimon Boonkum highlighted that Nature Positive goes beyond environmental concerns; it is a crucial strategic approach for the future of business. All industries rely on natural resources and ecosystem services such as water, raw materials, energy, climate regulation, and biodiversity. Ecosystem degradation directly affects production efficiency, costs, competitiveness, and long-term business sustainability.

The Nature Positive concept goes beyond just decreasing environmental harm; it focuses on restoring ecosystems to to a state of abundance and thriving health. It supports global goals to stop biodiversity loss by 2030 and achieve nature recovery by 2050 through science-based, measurable actions aligned with international standards. These actions also inform financial investments. A crucial aspect is nature impact measurement (Nature Measurement), which is central to Nature Positive efforts. Organizations should start by evaluating their actual impacts and follow a clear hierarchy: avoid impacts (Avoid), reduce impacts (Reduce), restore ecosystems (Restore), and offset any remaining impacts (Offset). Offsetting should be the last resort, only after implementing all other measures.

Furthermore, the shift towards Nature Positive is opening new business prospects for both large corporations and startups. These include developing data platforms, monitoring and evaluating biodiversity impacts, establishing traceability systems, developing monitoring tools, and applying digital technologies to facilitate reporting under frameworks like TNFD, ESG, and the SDGs. These capabilities will enhance business competitiveness in the future. Dr. Boonkum also shared examples of Nature Positive applications across various sectors such as construction materials, energy, agriculture and food, and tourism, along with strategies to add value to community products and resources. By combining data, technology, and innovation, these initiatives link the conservation of natural resources with income generation and sustainable local economic growth.

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Dr. Pornpimon Boonkum’s invitation as a speaker reflects the role of MTEC, NSTDA as a research organization with expertise in technologies and innovations for sustainable development. MTEC remains committed to supporting the practical application of knowledge and technology to help businesses and Thai society achieve growth that balances economic, social, and environmental dimensions in line with the Nature Positive concept.

Dr. René van Berkel is the Principal Circular Economy Expert for the EU SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component and co-founder and co-convenor of the ASEAN Circular Economy Business Alliance (ACEBA). He also teaches at Thammasat University’s International College and is a member of the International Resource Panel. In a special lecture, he shared his insights and experience on the circular economy, sustainability, and international collaboration. He engaged with MTEC researchers and attendees to discuss opportunities for research, innovation, and future partnerships. The seminar drew 40 participants both onsite and online, including private sector representatives, university members, and NSTDA researchers. Attendees exchanged insights, perspectives, and ideas to promote the circular economy and sustainability at organizational, national, and regional ASEAN levels.

The lecture focused on fundamental concepts and development approaches for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), a crucial technology for improving aquaculture efficiency, lowering resource consumption, and promoting sustainability in commercial aquaculture. It was part of a collaborative effort to build capacity and transfer technology from Thailand to Morocco, aiming to support investment and growth in the global shrimp industry.

The “Shrimp Farming Innovations: Advanced Strategy & Investment for Moroccan Investors” training program was held from June 1–11, 2026, in Bangkok and the provinces of Chonburi, Chachoengsao, Samut Sakhon, and Phuket. It aimed to transfer knowledge, technologies, and experience in modern shrimp farming to Moroccan investors. The program covered farm planning and design, shrimp strain selection, shrimp seed production, feed and aquatic animal health management, advanced farm management, and shrimp product processing and export.

The program also emphasized the application of modern technologies, including recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI), to improve production efficiency and raise shrimp-farming standards for greater competitiveness in the global market. Participants also visited leading Thai facilities, including commercial shrimp farms, aquatic feed manufacturing plants, and marine research centers. In addition, they exchanged views and held strategic discussions with Thai aquaculture agencies and businesses to build international collaborative networks and expand future trade opportunities in the seafood industry.