Plastic: Chulalongkorn University researchers to Svalbard, Norway

From 27 July till 8 August, a group of scientists from Chulalongkorn University, with the support of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, are going on an arctic research trip to Svalbard, Norway. They will be looking at the impact of climate change and marine plastic pollution. At the press conference on Wednesday 18 July, Norway‘s Chargé d’Affairs a.i. Mr. Vegard Holmelid participated by delivering a speech.

Mr. Holmelid thanked the researchers and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for devoting their attention to marine plastic pollution and climate change in the arctic. He explained that the island group of Svalbard is an excellent location for studying environmental impacts of human activities, and secure data that could prove useful for the planet.

Furthermore, Mr. Holmelid talked about how Norway recognises the importance of promoting sustainable development. As part of this effort, Norway has established a Development Program dedicated to combat marine litter and microplastics. With the Development Program, Norway has taken the initiative to establish a multi-donor trust fund in the Work Bank to improve waste management and prevent marine litter. In 2018, Norway has allocated about 13 million US dollars to the fund.

Source: Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok