– The “One Million Trees” project is a key upstream initiative, aiming to expand green spaces by 500–1,000 rai annually and plant one million trees by 2032, with more than 800,000 trees planted to date.

Central Pattana plc., Thailand’s No.1 sustainable real estate developer under the vision “Imagining better futures for all,” continues to develop future-ready cities that grow alongside communities, society and the environment while advancing towards its Net Zero 2050 goal. Now in its fourth consecutive year, the “One Million Trees” project focuses on restoring carbon-sink forests and supporting the conservation of 3,000 rai of community forest in collaboration with the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage and the Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University. The initiative aims to expand green spaces and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by bringing together Central Pattana’s management team, employee volunteers from Central shopping centres across Northern Thailand, government agencies, private-sector partners and local communities to plant 600 trees to enrich the existing forest at Ban Thung Community Forest in Chae Son Subdistrict, Mueang Pan District, Lampang Province.

Ms. Uthaiwan Anuchitnukul, Head of Excellence and Sustainable Development and Procurement of Central Pattana Plc., said: “Central Pattana believes that sustainable urban development means creating a liveable urban ecosystem that enhances quality of life and is prepared for the future. Guided by our vision of ‘A Future-Led Ecosystem,’ we are committed to developing ‘cities of the future’ while caring for communities, society and the environment. Sustainability is therefore embedded in every process across all functions and businesses under our nationwide operations as we advance towards Net Zero 2050. In line with this commitment, Central Pattana is continuing the ‘One Million Trees’ project for the fourth consecutive year in 2026. The carbon-sink forest restoration initiative supports the conservation of 3,000 rai of community forest in collaboration with the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage and RIHES CMU. Together with stakeholders across sectors, we planted 600 trees at Ban Thung Community Forest in Lampang Province.”

For Northern Thailand, which continues to face PM2.5 air pollution, the company has developed a systematic and comprehensive response covering upstream, midstream and downstream measures. The ‘One Million Trees’ project is one of our key upstream initiatives, aiming to expand green spaces by 500–1,000 rai annually and plant one million trees by 2032. To date, more than 800,000 trees have been planted. This year, employee volunteers from four Central shopping centres in Northern Thailand—Central Chiangmai Airport, Central Chiangmai, Central Chiangrai and Central Lampang—joined forces with government agencies, private-sector partners and local communities to plant trees to enrich existing forests. The initiative aims to offset greenhouse gas emissions, enhance carbon sequestration and deliver long-term benefits to local communities. Drawing on the approach of the Doi Tung Development Project under Royal Initiative, implemented by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage, we have adapted its principles to restore community forests. This effort is complemented by promoting Zero Burning practices among local communities and farmers to reduce open burning and sustainably address PM2.5 emissions at their source.”

At the same time, the initiative featured knowledge-sharing activities focused on sustainable well-being, providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange insights and learn about the project’s implementation. The sessions covered the Forest Carbon Credit Management for Sustainable Development Project, presented by a representative from the Mae Fah Luang Foundation; collaborative community forest management between the temple and local community, presented by the abbot of Ban Thung Temple; and community forest stewardship and the community development fund, presented by a representative of the Ban Thung community.The event also welcomed Professor Dr. Kriengkrai Srithanaviboonchai, Director of the Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, as a guest speaker for a special lecture entitled “Clean Air for Life: Restoring Community Forests to Foster Sustainable Well-Being.” The session aimed to raise awareness of the fundamental right to clean air and highlight the connection between forest conservation and public well-being.

In addition, Central Pattana initiated the regional “Share the Air” campaign in collaboration with Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University to provide “Clean Air Boxes”—DIY air-purification and ventilation devices—to communities across Northern Thailand, helping reduce health risks associated with PM2.5 air pollution. The company believes that the transition towards a “Sustainable Ecosystem” and the achievement of its Net Zero 2050 goal require collective action from all sectors—including partners, communities and employees. This collaboration aims to elevate the role of the business sector from responding to crises to serving as a regional platform for collective action—a “Creating Shared Value Regional Movement” that delivers a meaningful, positive impact on people’s quality of life.