This summer, Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, faced several environmental problems as temperatures rose above 40 degrees Celsius because of the urban heat island (UHI) effect. This effect happens when city areas are warmer than nearby suburban or rural areas. As a result, summer heat waves became more intense, negatively affecting the lives of people living in the city. Oraya, who grew up in Bangkok, has also experienced these changes firsthand.

“More than ten years ago, I have been traveling along Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok, a route I've traversed countless times. One day, I noticed that all the large, old trees had disappeared, replaced by buildings and parking lots. While urban development is important, I started to wonder about the impact of the loss of trees and green spaces on the environment. I also thought that this might be related to the rapid rise in temperatures in Bangkok. So, I began to study the problems caused by the disappearance of these trees."

As a result, Oraya learned that urban trees, especially large and mature ones, are significantly beneficial to the environment. These trees grow deep roots under the ground over time, producing more oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. Therefore, they help cool the roads and effectively filter harmful substances from the air.

"Surprised by this fact, I thought it was important for more people to know about it. So, I went out to the streets and talked with many people, including landscape managers who take care of the trees."

Oraya discovered that some of the landscape managers were actually damaging the trees due to misinformation. They not only lacked professional skills and knowledge but were also facing economic difficulties. Because of this, Oraya believed that public education was necessary to solve the problem. She felt it was important for many people to learn the right knowledge to effectively manage the urban environment.

"I thought about the long-term problems that would arise from the loss of trees due to urban development. At the same time, I researched ways to provide landscape managers with the skills to manage trees effectively and to offer them stable jobs."

As a result, I started 'Rukkakorn Urban Tree Care,' which provides tree management training to landscape managers lacking professional skills and improves the working conditions of those who are paid low wages."

Rukkakorn Urban Tree Care offers training programs and internships to help landscape managers manage Bangkok's trees properly. To do this, they collaborate with local communities, such as prisons, to recruit trainees. Those selected receive professional skills training, allowing them to grow into tree management experts who can manage urban trees in a healthy and safe manner.

Thanks to this, the trees in Bangkok are being managed properly, and landscape managers have been able to move away from unstable, low-wage jobs to more stable employment. Additionally, their families now achieve a more stable economic situation.

Additionally, Rukkakorn is working with not only landscape managers but also authorities to address the urban heat island problem in Bangkok. They are establishing criteria to assess trees that need inspection for effective public tree management and are improving public tree management standards. Furthermore, they hold regular workshops to provide management plans for maintaining the urban forest.

Through these efficient tree management systems, Rukkakorn is specifically addressing climate change issues such as the urban heat island effect and air pollution, which are causing temperatures to rise in the city center. As a result, residents can enjoy clean air and a comfortable environment under the cool shade of trees. Therefore, people protect trees, and in turn, trees protect the environment, preserving a nature-friendly ecosystem.

"I hope that through Rukkakorn Urban Tree Care, many people will realize the importance of trees in the city and learn to cherish them. We dream of a future where Bangkok is known for its well-managed trees, where tree managers are recognized as respected professionals, and where the importance of green spaces is more widely perceived."

Oraya plans to use crowdfunding to educate landscape managers and provide internships to train more tree management professionals. This initiative aims not only to manage trees effectively but also to create a sustainable and resilient green future for the city. Please support the economic empowerment of 'Rukkakorn Urban Tree Care'!