Thailand is rich in natural resources which form the foundation for its economic growth and cultural diversity. National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and other types of protected areas cover about 18 per cent of the country’s total land and sea areas serving as strongholds of biodiversity and habitat conservation for critical ecosystems and species. They provide the basis for livelihoods and food security for thousands of communities across the country. Thailand’s biodiversity is globally significant. The recreational value of national parks in Thailand is undeniable, but the additional benefits obtained from the parks are not always recognised or appreciated.

The new book, Parks for Life: Why We Love Thailand’s National Parks, aims to create a better recognition of, and greater commitment and support to protect the country’s rich biodiversity. The publication advocates for investing in the management of protected areas to promote inclusive economic growth that takes the real value of biodiversity and ecosystems into account in decision-making in the country’s development. The book, a product of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Catalysing the Sustainability of Thailand’s Protected Area System (CATSPA) project in collaboration with the Department of National Parks, Plant and Wildlife Conservation (DNP), is generously funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).