At The Next Forest, we turn ideas into action through a variety of innovative and community-driven projects. From restoring forest ecosystems and advancing environmental technology to promoting urban greening and carbon credit assessment, our work reflects a deep commitment to sustainability, collaboration, and real-world impact.
Current Projects
- Forest Restoration at the Puey Ungphakorn Community Learning Center
- Innovation in Tree Species Identification Using Drones
- Nan Forest Conservation Project (Crowdfunded via Taejai.com)
- Carbon Sink Assessment and Carbon Credit Potential at Hariphunchai Education Center, Chiang Mai University, Lamphun
- Sub-project 2: Participatory Ecosystem Service Assessment to Support Decision-Making Processes
- Under the project “Research, Innovation, and Utilization for Urgent Problem Solving: An Integrated and Targeted Approach to PM2.5 Air Pollution” Multidisciplinary Research Institute, Chiang Mai University
- Urban Forest Planting Project—Khlong Sam Wa, Bangkok
1. Forest Restoration at the Puey Ungphakorn Community Learning Center
Project Duration: Project completed
July 2023 – December 2024
The Rural Reconstruction Foundation of Thailand under Royal Patronage, based in Chai Nat Province, initiated a project to restore land at the Puey Ungphakorn Community Learning Center. The goal was to create a food source for wildlife, enhance the landscape’s beauty, and provide benefits for nearby residents—offering a space for recreation, relaxation, and environmental learning for youth and the general public.
This project received support from ERM Siam Co., Ltd., which sponsored the restoration of a 4-rai area (approximately 1.6 acres) as an urban forest. The restoration process began with on-ground and aerial surveys (using drones), followed by site design, species selection, land and seedling preparation, and a tree-planting activity. The event included educational sessions for ERM employees and members of the Puey Center to increase their understanding of ecological restoration.
Post-planting monitoring revealed a seedling survival rate of 89.3%, and additional planting was later conducted to bring survival to 100%.
2. Innovation in Tree Species Identification Using Drones
Project Duration: Project completed
July 2023 – December 2024
A Major Step Forward in Tree Species Identification Using Modern Technology
This project marks an important advancement in identifying tree species in forested areas using modern tools such as small unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and semi-automated analysis techniques. These technologies allow for the synthesis of data that supports ecological efforts in forest restoration and conservation. Applications include assessing the level of degradation before restoration and monitoring the growth of seedlings post-planting.
Moreover, the aerial data provides valuable insights that can support decision-making for the management and conservation of native forests, helping maintain biodiversity and essential ecosystem services.
The “Innovation in Tree Species Identification Using Drones” project is funded by the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization). The study area includes forest restoration plots and surrounding natural forests in Nan Province, where drone-based high-resolution aerial imagery is used to identify tree species.
The primary goal of this project is to develop the ability to classify tree species using high-resolution drone imagery. As a pilot initiative, it demonstrates the potential of integrating technology to improve the effectiveness of forest conservation and restoration efforts while also reducing long-term field survey costs.
3. Nan Forest Conservation Project
(Crowdfunded via Taejai.com)
Project Duration: On going
January 2024 – Until Full Funding is Reached
Help Us Protect 1,354 Rai of Community Forest in Nan Province
This fundraising project supports the conservation and protection of over 1,354 rai (approximately 540 acres) of community forests across Pua, Phu Phiang, and Wiang Sa districts in Nan Province. The funds will go toward wildfire prevention, creating firebreaks, and organizing patrols to monitor and safeguard the forest.
These forests are vital—they provide clean air, protect biodiversity, serve as habitats for wildlife, and offer forest products that local communities depend on. The project is managed through Taejai.com, ensuring that all donations go directly and fairly to the local communities.
Donations are eligible for a 1x personal income tax deduction in Thailand. Donation records are submitted directly to the Revenue Department, and donors can verify their contributions within 7–14 days at the Revenue Department’s official website.
👉 Donate here: https://taejai.com/th/project/save_nan_forest_ds
4. Carbon Sink Assessment and Carbon Credit Potential at Hariphunchai Education Center, Chiang Mai University, Lamphun
Project Duration
Year 1: August 2023 – July 2024
Project completedYear 2: August 2024 – July 2025
Project ongoing
The Next Forest is part of a project under the Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, aimed at restoring land for carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. The restoration is carried out in two approaches:
- Forest restoration using framework species
- Agroforestry restoration by planting a mix of native forest species and fruit trees.
The goal for Year 1 is to establish a nursery, produce high-quality native seedlings, and collect field data to assess the site before planting, as well as to prepare the planting area.
The goal for Year 2 is to carry out planting, conduct restoration, and perform maintenance and monitoring.
5. Sub-project 2: Participatory Ecosystem Service Assessment to Support Decision-Making Processes
Under the project “Research, Innovation, and Utilization for Urgent Problem Solving: An Integrated and Targeted Approach to PM2.5 Air Pollution”
Multidisciplinary Research Institute, Chiang Mai University
Project Duration: On going
February 2024 – March 2025
The Next Forest, is part of a project under the Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, focused on effective wildfire management and the development of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms to prevent wildfires and PM2.5 pollution through community participation in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park area.
In Sub-project 2, the company is responsible for collecting forest tree data to assess carbon sequestration as a way to recognize the value of ecosystem services. This project is expected to serve as a pilot initiative for future programs related to ecosystem service compensation.
5. Urban Forest Planting at Khlong Sam Wa Forest Park, Khlong Sam Wa District, Bangkok
Project Duration
- 3-rai Restoration Project: Project ongoing
September 2024 – 2026- 7-rai Restoration Project: Fundraising in progress
September 2025 – 2027
One of the key environmental policies by Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is the “15-Minute Park” initiative, aimed at ensuring that residents have convenient access to green spaces within 800 meters or a 15-minute walk from their homes. The goal is to increase green areas to absorb carbon dioxide, reduce air pollution and urban heat, preserve biodiversity, manage water absorption and runoff, and provide spaces for public recreation. Additionally, these parks serve as educational spaces for children and youth to learn about nature, ecosystems, and the environment—instilling a sense of environmental stewardship.
In support of this policy, the Khlong Sam Wa District Office launched the “Khlong Sam Wa Forest Park” project, aiming to create a large public park on Bangkok’s eastern side, covering more than 65 rai (approximately 26 acres). Tree planting began in 2023, and in 2024, an additional 10 rai (about 4 acres) will be planted under the “Urban Tiny Forest Restoration” project.
This project is the first in Bangkok to apply the “Framework Species Method” for forest restoration in urban areas. The company involved has implemented a process starting with the selection of over 30 diverse native species, sourcing high-quality, ready-to-plant seedlings, preparing the land, and planting properly. Ongoing care includes monitoring survival rates and growth for two years, along with regular progress reporting.
The Next Forest 