Advisory Board – Distinguished Expert in Soil Systems and Biodiversity-Based Sustainable Development
The Secretariat hereby formally announces the recognition of Dr. Jirawan Kumsao as Advisory Board Member – Distinguished Expert in Soil Systems and Biodiversity-Based Sustainable Development.
This recognition reflects the institution’s strategic commitment to advancing biodiversity not merely as an environmental concern, but as a foundational pillar of sustainable economic transformation, community resilience, and bio-based innovation. Her work embodies the integration of scientific research, community-based conservation, organic agriculture, and local bioeconomy development into a coherent sustainability framework grounded in measurable ecological outcomes.
Dr. Kumsao’s professional trajectory demonstrates a rare synthesis of advanced applied microbiology, biotechnology research, and practical ecosystem-based development at the community level. With a doctoral specialization in Applied Microbiology and extensive research on mycorrhizal fungi, soil systems, and biofertilizer innovation, she has contributed to strengthening soil health, enhancing organic crop productivity, and reducing chemical dependency in agricultural systems.
Her academic contributions include international publications and conference presentations on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and biofertilizer development for organic rice and cassava systems research that directly supports biodiversity restoration, soil ecosystem regeneration, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Beyond laboratory and academic work, Dr. Kumsao serves as a community leader in Chiang Dao, where she integrates biodiversity conservation, forest restoration, REDD+ coordination, carbon credit initiatives, and sustainable tourism within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve context. Her leadership in local conservation networks and forest stewardship initiatives demonstrates a systems-based model of biodiversity governance that connects science, policy, community livelihoods, and ecosystem services.
As Founder and R&D Lead of multiple bio-based enterprises and community enterprises, she advances biodiversity-linked value creation through organic production, rare plant tissue culture, herbal product development, and knowledge-based rural entrepreneurship. This approach positions biodiversity as an asset class within a regenerative local economy rather than a protected but economically isolated resource.
Her work reflects a structured alignment with global biodiversity and sustainability frameworks, including ecosystem restoration, sustainable production systems, carbon sequestration initiatives, and community-based governance—contributing to long-term ecological integrity and socio-economic resilience.
The Secretariat expresses its highest confidence that Dr. Jirawan Kumsao’s expertise will significantly strengthen biodiversity-driven sustainable development strategies that are science-based, community-embedded, and aligned with international climate and sustainability objectives.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Applied Microbiology), Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University
Master of Science (Biotechnology), Chiang Mai Rajabhat University
Bachelor of Science (Applied Biology), Chiang Mai Rajabhat University
Professional Experience
- Applied microbiology and biofertilizer innovation for organic agriculture systems
- Research on fungal biodiversity and soil microbial systems
- Coordination of REDD+ and community carbon credit initiatives in Chiang Dao
- Executive leadership in bio-based enterprises and community innovation platforms
- Participation in governance and planning for Chiang Dao Biosphere Reserve area
- Development of organic tourism and biodiversity-based local economy models
Core Expertise
- Soil Microbial Ecology & Mycorrhizal Systems
- Biofertilizer Development for Organic Agriculture
- Community-Based Forest Conservation & REDD+ Coordination
- Carbon Credit and Ecosystem Service Integration
- Biodiversity-Driven Rural Enterprise Development
- Rare Plant Tissue Culture & Bio-Based Innovation
- Sustainable Food Systems & Organic Value Chain Integration
- Biosphere Reserve Governance and Multi-Stakeholder Coordination
Issued by the Secretariat Office
Sustainism Initiative (STNSM)
