Bangkok, 20 March 2024 - Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a market leader in health supplements in Thailand and Indochina, has partnered with Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of beverages under the Suntory and PepsiCo brands in Thailand, to launch the “One Suntory Mizuiku Program 2024”. The collaboration marks a significant first step forward in advancing water resource conservation. The program aims to educate and instill an understanding of the importance of water and the environment among the youth. Through the 2024 edition of the ‘Mizuiku Water Hero Camp’ and the 'Mizuiku Water Model School' contest, along with watershed forest conservation, the program is designed to promote sustainable water and environmental conservation practices in local communities and encourage employee engagement in water and environmental conservation.
Ms. Natthanicha Worawannaseth, Senior Vice President - Corporate Functions, Suntory Beverage & Food Thailand and Indochina, stated, "The 'Mizuiku' program has initiated in Japan since 2004 and expanded to over eight countries worldwide, including Thailand. The term of 'Mizuiku' combines the Japanese words 'mizu,' meaning 'water,' and 'iku,' meaning 'education.' The program’s goal is to cultivate awareness and appreciation for water resources and environmental conservation among the youth and the broader community. It aims to empower individuals to participate in water conservation efforts in their daily lives, ensuring the availability of water resources for the benefit of future generations. This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 'Mizuiku' program. It is also a crucial collaboration between Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) and Suntory PepsiCo Thailand to enhance the ‘One Suntory Mizuiku Program 2024’. The collaboration between Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) and Suntory PepsiCo Thailand represents a significant step forward in our joint efforts to advance the 'One Suntory Mizuiku Program 2024'. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our dedication to sustainable development, underscoring our corporate values of 'Growing for Good' and 'Giving Back to Society'".
The ‘One Suntory Mizuiku Program 2024’ has been recognized and supported by several government agencies, including the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Climate Change and Environment, and the Pollution Control Department under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The program has also partnered with the Environmental Education Centre, a social enterprise dedicated to environment education through structured activities. Together, they are committed to inspiring, raising awareness about the importance of water resources and promoting daily water conservation among Thai youth. The main activities of the program include:
The Mizuiku Water Hero Camp selected 30 primary schools in Rayong and Chonburi provinces. Student leaders, teacher representatives, and volunteer employees from both companies will participate in a 3-day camp from June 4-6, 2024, in Rayong Province. The initiative aims to educate youth about the importance of water resources, the water cycle and local water issues and encourage them to actively engage in water and environmental conservation in their daily lives.
The Mizuiku Water Model School contest will take place after the camp activities. Each participating school will receive a grant of 10,000 baht to propose and compete in implementing an integrated water resource conservation project in their schools, covering four key aspects: policy, stakeholder participation, infrastructure, and community engagement. Furthermore, they will form the "Mizuiku Club" to enhance these conservation efforts.
One school per the target province will be selected as the "Mizuiku Water Model School" and will have a field trip to Japan to learn more about the "Mizuiku" Program from its origin.
Ms. Wipawan Tasanapreechachai, Head of Corporate Affairs at Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated, "Suntory PepsiCo Thailand is deeply committed to water resources conservation, recognizing ‘water’ as a vital natural resource essential to all life. Since 2019, we have been at the forefront of water conservation through our 'Mizuiku' Program, making us the second company within the Suntory Group to implement this initiative outside Japan. From the start until present, the core of 'Mizuiku' has been youth, communities, and employees, who play pivotal roles in the sustainable management of water resources. Over the past five years, we have collaborated with the government agencies and numerous civil society organizations to educate over 20,250 students from 345 schools about the importance of water conservation. Furthermore, we provide financial support to schools for integrating water conservation practices. This includes creating positive changes in water resources through 'watershed conservation' activity, which consists of building check dams, planting vetiver grass, and restoring forest ecosystems. We also encourage our employees to engage in these activities annually, rendering knowledge into action. This underscores Suntory PepsiCo Thailand's dedication to conducting business with a profound respect for society and the environment."
Mr. Teerachoon Boonsit, Deputy Director-General, Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, stated, "The mission of the Department of Water Resources is to regulate, control, conserve, and develop the country's water resources. Promoting and supporting activities that educate and raise awareness among the youth about water conservation is a crucial aspect of our work. We see the youth as a vital group for accelerating knowledge sharing regarding the conservation of natural resources and the environment. They are the future of our nation and will play a significant role in safeguarding water resources and the environment. The previous 'Mizuiku' Program aligned with our department's goals. Therefore, we will continue to collaborate and support the various activities of the ‘One Suntory Mizuiku Program 2024’, aiming to cultivate a love for sustainable water conservation among the youth throughout 2024."
Mr. Wat Thabungkan, Secretary of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, said, "The Department of Climate Change and Environment's mission is dedicated to formulating and implementing policies, plans, and strategies to effectively manage climate change within the country. Its operations are conducted within the framework of the master plan for climate change 2015-2050, focusing on building management capacity, creating awareness, and enhancing potential. Moreover, we are actively engaged in fostering environmental education among children and youth. In the area of water resources, the Department of Climate Change and Environment is committed to driving and promoting guidelines for maintaining rivers and canals through a comprehensive approach grounded in environmental education principles and scientific methodologies. Additionally, we are dedicated to creating a network of youth volunteers to conserve water resources through various activities. We are pleased to support the 'One Suntory Mizuiku Program 2024' by providing essential information and expertise to facilitate the execution of its activities. Our collaboration aims to foster environmentally conscious citizens in the community who can effectively apply the acquired knowledge to effect positive change in their local communities."
Another government partner, Dr. Chanan Tiranarat, Director of Water Quality Management Division, Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, emphasized, "As the authority responsible for water pollution management and control, our department acknowledges that holistic conservation of water resources requires a comprehensive approach from upstream to downstream. A fundamental aspect of this conservation effort is the cultivation of public awareness and education, focusing on youth, who are the future stewards of our society. By disseminating accurate information and fostering an understanding of water's importance, we aim to instill water conservation in daily life. The 'One Suntory Mizuiku Program 2024' stands as a pivotal initiative in enriching the knowledge, enhancing understanding, and developing the problem-solving skills of young individuals regarding water-related issues within their schools and communities. Furthermore, it is crucial to promote youth environmental responsibility effectively."
Mr. Alexander Simon Rendell, Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Education Centre (EEC), stated, "At the Environmental Education Centre, we are committed to tackling environmental and natural issues alongside youth groups nationwide, acknowledging them as the future guardians of our planet. The 'Mizuiku Water Hero Camp' is specifically designed to educate young people in the community about the impact of their activities on water resources, from upstream to downstream. Our goal is to instill a sense of environmental stewardship among the youth. During our environmental education camp, children will engage in immersive nature-based learning experiences, following a hands-on approach that is both educational and enjoyable. I will be leading the activities alongside a team of experts in water resources and environmental science, all guided by the principle 'without water, there is no us,' to underscore the critical importance of water in all aspects of life."
"With invaluable knowledge and support from our government partners, the 'One Suntory Mizuiku Program 2024,' led by Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., is positioned to elevate water resource conservation efforts. By translating knowledge into tangible action, this initiative will significantly contribute to the conservation of water resources and the environment in our country," concluded Ms. Wipawan.
