Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) operates its business by integrating the concept of environmentally and socially friendly operations, initiated the "CPF Rak-Nives Project" to increase green spaces in the company's workplaces and surrounding area since 2014.
“Learning Center for Rak-Nives project in Kamphaeng Phet Province is the first eco-forest in Thailand's swine farm, covering 30 rai area. It came from the idea of turning empty areas in pig farms into community forests in 2014.
From the commitment, CP Foods creates a new type of pig farming business that focus on sustainability. The project results an ecological biodiversity. There is conservation of local rare plants. It is also a learning centre outside the classroom for the community, educational institutions and other people who are interested.
There are more than 24,000 trees, more than 200 species of plants, more than 140 species of rare plants. Saplings that grow from natural seeds can be collected and nursed for propagation, such as Kra Ting, Wa, Chaiyapruek, and Phu Naipol. Moverover, over 70 species of animal are living forests.
Pichet Yaikaensai, president of Kamphaeng Phet Agricultural Village, said that the project creates great benefits for the community as a learning center for plant and animal ecosystems. It is the habitat and breeding of local animals.
“It's like a community fresh market. In the forest, there are plants, vegetables, herbs, mushrooms and fish. The green space become a source of relaxation, exercise, a source of income and a tourist attraction of the community.” He said.