Ms. Wanraporn Pornprapha, Chair of the 2017 IFLA ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONGRESS, stated, "Landscape architecture is a vital profession as it contributes to the invention, analysis, consideration, and exploration of solutions to long-standing environmental issues such as global warming and the loss of ecological balance. This is essential for developing livable cities and improving the quality of life. It is a source of pride for Thailand to once again host the regional academic conference, the 2017 IFLA ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONGRESS, under the theme ‘BLUE, GREEN, AND CULTURE’, which reflects the interconnectedness of the environment, culture, society, and lifestyle in preparation for the rapidly changing era of globalization.

This regional academic conference serves as an important platform for landscape architects from various countries to exchange academic knowledge and collaboratively develop environments that enhance livability and improve the quality of life for people worldwide. The event will feature discussions on the topic ‘Building a Better Future for Bangkok’, involving stakeholders from the public sector and developers from the private sector to share knowledge and exchange experiences for the future development of Bangkok. Additionally, there will be academic discussions with participants from leading educational institutions such as Chulalongkorn University, Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, and landscape architects who designed PTT Metro Park and Yanghwa Riverfront Park in Seoul. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore with experts who will provide in-depth knowledge about the design and history of Thailand's tourist attractions, such as the Chao Phraya River, Rattanakosin Island, and the World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya.

Mr. Pongsak Laemmanacharoen, President of the Association of Landscape Architects of Thailand, further commented on this event, stating, "The gathering of the global landscape architecture community will take place annually to strengthen friendships and exchange knowledge among member countries, with each year rotating the host country. Thailand, through the Association of Landscape Architects of Thailand, has had the honor of hosting the IFLA World Congress and the IFLA APR Congress several times. In November 2017, Thailand will again welcome landscape architects from over 17 countries across the Asia-Pacific region and around the world. This event is significant for the Thai landscape architecture community as it not only showcases the hospitality and kindness of the Thai people but also provides an opportunity to present the beautiful works of Thai landscape architects across the country. It also serves to enhance knowledge in the development of natural areas and environments alongside urban development, ensuring sustainability and prosperity in line with the country's future development under the theme BLUE, GREEN, AND CULTURE.

The success of this Asia-Pacific regional landscape architecture conference will not only emphasize the importance of landscape architecture in advancing the country to a leadership position in Asia but also provide an opportunity to welcome leading landscape architects from around the world to witness the works of Thai landscape architects and understand the concepts and spirit of urban development that harmonizes creatively, wonderfully, and sustainably with nature and the environment, in accordance with the royal initiatives of His Majesty King Rama IX.

Dr. Porntam Thamwimon, a landscape architect at the Architecture Department of the Fine Arts Department, discussed the vision of the landscape architecture profession regarding environmental and cultural development, stating, "Landscape and landscape architecture are phenomena that demonstrate the relationship between humans and nature. The traces left in the form of landscapes created by humans on the earth represent a culture that reflects lifestyles, aesthetics, and human happiness in living on this planet. Therefore, the landscape architecture profession is crucial as it is responsible for creating and protecting the environment in which humans live.

In the future, the changes in natural environmental conditions will intensify, and the threats posed by humans to the cultural landscapes will also increase. The design of landscape architecture in the future must integrate the resources of the earth and the cultural heritage of the area, which should be analyzed alongside design to achieve tangible results. Designs that are more 'nature-oriented' and 'innovative creativity in landscape architecture' will help slow down destruction and the loss of cultural heritage in each area while also healing and preserving natural resources to coexist harmoniously with human society.

The academic conference ‘2017 IFLA ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONGRESS’ will be held from November 2-5, 2017, at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, Sukhumvit 22.

Thank you for the information from http://iflaapr.org/ifla-asia-pacific-congress