Varuna is moving forward with "OUR Khung Bangkachao," a sustainable environmental rehabilitation model powered by AI The model continues to extend the benefits of environmental sustainability in Thailand with workshops for the use of an insightful database

Today, technology is assisting us in taking care of the environment and managing natural resources in a systematic manner, as well as bringing digital information to life. The OUR Khung Bangkachao model's green area restoration plan, for example, clearly demonstrates that efficiently integrated AI field survey and analytics technologies influence and have an effect on the change of green areas in Thailand. Furthermore, it can be applied to the agricultural sector, making private sector work planning and community participation easier.

With the OUR Khung BangKachao model, AI-powered environmental revitalization has begun. The Chaipattana Foundation serves as the initiative's supervisor and policymaker, and PTT Public Company Limited leads the working team, which includes more than 100 government and private organizations and alliance networks. All of this stems from the intent and expertise of all sectors involved. For Varuna (Thailand) Company Limited, a subsidiary of AI & Robotics Ventures Company Limited (ARV), we have been monitoring the conservation of green areas in Khung Bangkachao, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province, for 5 years (2019 - 2023) using DeepTech and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The VARUNA Analytics platform collects data in the area using survey drones and satellites to perform end-to-end analysis of the area, with AI being used to help plan the restoration and ensure that relevant tasks are completed precisely and accurately.

Various technologies are integrated into the OUR Khung BangKachao model to provide accurate information and process geographic information system (GIS), or electronic maps, to reflect the actual image that occurs in each area. Remote sensing technology is also used to obtain Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) images, which are compared to evaluate the green area from large satellite images without the need for manpower and time to explore the ground, as was previously done. Furthermore, images from drones are used, which can precisely determine the direction of the survey, as well as tracking via a dashboard, which allows the working team to see the progress that can be used to drive the plan further.

                         

It is to acknowledge that those technologies have always been under Varuna's intensive work, which has helped drive the OUR Khung BangKachao model to its goals.

"Varuna has used technology to help collect data, develop and prepare an information system, and follow up on the project's progress," said Panunya Charoensawadpong, co-founder of Varuna (Thailand) Company Limited. “We also create a database that can be analyzed, allowing the team to adjust the action plan in a timely manner in order to develop Khung Bangkachao's green area holistically."

According to Tranid Prasertsri, Head of Technology Development Team, Varuna (Thailand) Company Limited, the company has spent more than a year developing a system to respond to the green area rehabilitation plan at Khung Bangkachao. This resulted in the design of the dashboard, which involved modifying and connecting current and historical data, as well as connecting various technology tools to make them easier to use and more convenient.

He said, "And to enable the alliance organizations to take advantage of modern technology, use it correctly and with profound understanding, and allow on-site workers to conveniently browse large-scale data via their mobile devices, it is necessary to develop a training program for the working team of the OUR Khung BangKachao model on the use of information systems for the development of green areas. Alliance organizations and participating Khung Bangkachao communities also join to learn how to comprehensively use various digital tools via mobile apps, web apps, and dashboards."

 

Atthaya Pinjongsakuldis, Director of the Information and Communication Technology Center, Land Development Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, affirmed that the benefits that everyone will receive from Varuna's information system for the development of green areas are multifaceted. In addition to continuously monitoring changes in natural resources and the environment in the area so that the information is accessible to everyone, it is also the primary source of data for the development of green areas in agriculture, such as area zoning and the identification of green areas based on their distinguishing characteristics, as well as the identification of soil and water features in a specific area to help farmers and communities better understand their own land.

"Governments and stakeholders can use this information as a criterion for decision making, provide support, and effectively plan for land development. It is also applied to promotion policies of other government agencies in order to generate income and benefits to target communities in a variety of ways, such as utilizing the area to drive eco-tourism."

Besides, databases are used as a gauge to allow funders to measure the outcomes of their own projects. For example, if a company wants to do CSR and develop green areas with a target of four thousand rai to six thousand rai, Varuna's technology can be used to measure concrete results. On top of that, the system can create additional databases, such as a model for calculating carbon sequestration, which can lead to the future study of in-depth environmental effects on the Khung Bangkachao area, and so on.

“However, even though the system is already in place, it is necessary to expand participation from alliances in order to obtain precise and accurate information and make it responsive to the current situation and environment. Stakeholders must be able to enter data into the system on their own,” said Panunya. “It is challenging to develop various features that can filter the correct information into the system and link data from multiple sources to form a complete database before it can be put into practice.”

“Another step toward bringing technology closer to users is the organization of a training program on the use of information systems for the development of green areas. It is also a good place to start for people in target communities and those involved in green spaces who want to learn more about and really understand technology. It exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of community, society, the environment, technology, and businesses. Moreover, it is considered a gateway for everyone to understand that these tools can be extended to work in the environmental and agricultural sectors in other areas,” Panunya concluded.