Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment “Laudato Si,” a Catholic school in Thailand launched a program that promotes environmental awareness among its students.
The Malasawan Pitthaya School in Nokhornrachasima, central Thailand, has recently organized a training session for teachers and staff on the pope’s encyclical.
About 100 people attended the session, which focused on the “environment,” “respect,” “pollution,” and “recycling,” said a report on Radio Veritas Asia.
The report said the session aimed at helping the school staff become aware of the importance of environmental issues to form students to respect creation.
Participants welcomed the opportunity to understand that a more sustainable lifestyle is not only required, but is possible, even if it implies sacrifice, said the report.
Thailand’s dramatic economic growth has caused numerous environmental issues, it noted, adding that the country faces problems with air quality, declining wildlife populations, deforestation, soil erosion, water scarcity, and waste issues.
According to Thailand’s 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2017–2021) “the country’s natural resources and environmental quality are deteriorating, and have become a weakness in maintaining the basis of production, services, and sustainable living.”
“The natural resource stock has been extensively utilized for development, resulting in its continuous degradation. The forests have been depleted, the soil has become infertile, and biodiversity has been threatened,” it said.