February 2019, Nakhon Ratchasima

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) collaborated on a pilot project to develop a mobile app integrated with Bluetooth low-energy beacon technology for the Khao Yai National Park.

The demo version of the app was launched on Saturday, 9 February 2019 during the inauguration of the 200-Year Commemorative U.S.-Thai Friendship Trail in Khao Yai National Park.

The app aims to assist nature-lovers to experience Khao Yai’s biodiverse landscape in its full capacity through offline navigation and relevant contents based on the information developed by the stewards of the park. The application will also feature personalized tracking of routes with photos and notes shareable to social media and various safety and security options to navigate the walking trails in the park safely. This also delivers context-aware contents in users’ preferred language and is designed to function even in absence of mobile phone networks.

Introducing the application, Dr. Naveed Anwar, Vice President for Knowledge Transfer of AIT said, “This has been designed with three key considerations -1. Comfort and ease for visitors, 2. Safety for visitors, and 3. Data generation for sound park management.” He added, “AIT will work closely with DNP and ICCF to scale up the use of this application in Thailand and internationally.”

Among the key figures present during the event were Mr. Nattaphong Sirichana, Governor of Nakhon Nayok Province; Mr. Thanya Netithammakul, Director General of Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP); Mr. Vikrom Kromdit, Chairman of Amata Foundation; Mr. Todd Koenings, Director of International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF); and Mr. Kalin Sarasin, Chairman of Thai Chamber of Commerce. Representatives from various national and international institutions also participated in the event held at Khao Yai National Park.

Read more at AIT Website

Related story at Bangkok Post

H.E. General Surasak, Kanchanart, Minister of Natural
Resources and Environment and Mr. Peter Haymond,
Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of the United States  jointly
inaugurated the commemorative trail
Dr. Naveed Anwar, AIT VP for Knowledge Transfer
shares the keyfeatures of the mobile app as well as the use
of Beacon technology

 

 

The event provided ample opportunities for interaction with the key figures and other stakeholder groups. The discussions revolved around use of innovative approaches and ICT tools for wildlife conservation and sound management of protected areas.
Follow ups will be conducted to advance the discussions into fruitful collaborations.