The Botanical Garden Organization (BGO) has launched the pilot phase of its new learning initiative, the “Forest Walking School” (Pilot Cohort 0), aimed at promoting hands-on learning in natural resource management by transforming botanical gardens into immersive “living classrooms.”
The initiative emphasizes experiential learning through direct engagement with nature, encouraging participants to learn by doing while fostering environmental awareness, conservation ethics, and sustainable nature-based tourism.
The project aligns with the policy direction of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, which focuses on enhancing the value of natural resources through learning, public participation, and balanced utilization. The BGO has been conducting surveys, designing concepts, and developing the core curriculum for the Forest Walking School on an ongoing basis since March 2025.
The pilot program was organized as a trial and simulated learning experience, held on 24–25 December 2025 at Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai. Activities centered on nature-based learning trails, with participants observing plant species, ecosystems, and landscapes, alongside knowledge-sharing sessions led by experts. The program aimed to build essential skills for safe, responsible, and nature-respecting forest walking.
The launch of the Forest Walking School pilot marks a significant first step for the Botanical Garden Organization in developing an experiential learning curriculum that integrates conservation, education, and ecotourism. The initiative is expected to be further expanded into a structured program in the future, reinforcing the role of botanical gardens as vital national learning hubs for natural resources.
