Welcome Address:
Mr. Sunun Arunnopparat,
Deputy Director General, Royal Forest Department
At Khao Hin Son Royal Development and Research Center
Chacheongsao Province
19 September 2009
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Mr. Kamesh Salam
President of World Bamboo Organization,
Mrs. Susanne Lucas
Chair of International Organizing Committee,
Distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen.
First of all, I would like to extend sincere apology on behalf of Mr. Somchai Pienstaporn, Director General, for not being able with all of you on this gracious occasion on the memorial planting ceremony today, due to some urgent engagement.
On behalf of the Royal Forest Department, I welcome all of you to Khao Hin Son Royal Development and Research Center, which has been initiated by His Majesty the King to conduct research and development on various fields focusing on agricultural development including forestry. The center is also using as training center for people who living in Chacheongsao province and neighboring provinces.
We are gathering here today for a memorable and gracious occasion of the declaration of the World Bamboo Day which was declared yesterday at the last session of the 8th World Bamboo Congress by having this bamboo planting ceremony. The plot that we are going to plant bamboo is approximately 400 square meters. Since there are 35 countries participating on the congress, therefore, we prepared 35 species of bamboo both native and exotic species to Thailand so that representative of each country has to plant one bamboo seedling for the memory of world bamboo day declaration which is on the same day of one hundred thirteen anniversary of the Royal Forest Department which is very much honor the Royal Forest Department of Thailand. The plot will be well maintained by the Royal Forest Department to keep this plot not only for the declaration of the world bamboo but also for the friendship and cooperation of all people participating in the world bamboo congress. If any one of you has an opportunity to visit Thailand, please come and visit this plot to see how your bamboo is growing. You are always welcomed to visit this plot any time.
Since this is the last activities for all of you on the W
orld Bamboo Congress, I wish all of you a safe and pleasant trip back to Bangkok and to your home countries or other business destinations.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to invite all of you to plant your memorable bamboo seedling. Thank you.