Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research recognised at GovMedia Conference & Awards 2026
TISTR developed a community-based approach that transformed monocropping into sustainable agricultural systems.
The Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) won the Thailand Sustainability Initiative of the Year - Agriculture category at the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2026 for its land-use transformation project addressing PM2.5 pollution in northern Thailand. The initiative, a science-driven community innovation model for sustainable agroforestry in northern Thailand, focused on reducing open burning associated with forest resource collection and monocropping.
Air quality issues in Chiang Mai, Nan, and Phrae were linked to terrain that traps pollutants, seasonal dryness, weak winds, and temperature inversions. TISTR drew on its expertise in soil biodiversity, agroforestry, organic farming, soil chemical and physical properties, and waste management to develop alternatives to open burning. The resulting practices included mycorrhizal mushroom cultivation in agroforestry ecosystems, compost and organic fertiliser production from agricultural residues, and land-use changes suited to agroforestry.
Government agencies, research institutions, local partners, and farmer groups participated in transferring these practices to affected communities. Training covered burn-free land management, organic farming, compost production, and agroforestry techniques. The project also supported organic plot certification and community fertiliser facilities, enabling farmers to make productive use of corn stalks, corn husks, rice straw, leaf litter, and other agricultural residues that are often burnt.
Satellite data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) enable TISTR to monitor unauthorised hotspots and support PM2.5 policy decisions. The project also developed recommendations under the CLEAR framework, comprising Community Land Use Reform, Emission Free Farming Contract, Agroforestry, and Residue Market Development. These measures integrated land-use planning, agricultural residue management, and stakeholder participation, with the aim of reducing open burning at the source.
GovMedia Conference & Awards gives recognition to the trends and best practices that transform the public sector in the Asia Pacific. The awards programme promotes excellence and provides a platform for exemplary government initiatives.
The GovMedia Conference & Awards is presented by GovMedia Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2027 awards programme and be recognised for your organisation's government projects and initiatives, please contact Marni Marco at +(65) 3158 1386 and [email protected].
