Changing attitudes
After rediscovering a species of hornbill thought to be extinct in Thailand’s ravaged rainforests, microbiologist Pilai Poonswad set about turning former poachers and illegal loggers into protectors of these glorious birds and their precarious habitat.
"I convinced them to turn their forest knowledge into skills as research assistants and eco-tour guides.”
Her 1997 plan for city families to “adopt” hornbill nests to fund the work has brought about remarkable changes in community attitudes towards conservation. For her unstinting dedication to hornbills worldwide, particularly in southern Thailand, Professor Poonswad is today revered as the “Great mother of the Hornbills”.
Latest Update
Rescuing Thailand’s natural world
Along with Rolex Laureate Pisit Charnsnoh, Pilai Poonswad is developing an ambitious plan to rescue the natural world from the onslaught of unsustainable development
Youthful enthusiasm to save Thailand’s hornbills
In southern Thailand, near the border with Malaysia, microbiologist Pilai Poonswad is pushing ahead with her wide-ranging campaign to protect the spectacular hornbills.
- Project Location
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- Get Involved
Adopt a hornbill nest
Learn More - Similar Projects
- Other 2006 Laureates
- Contact Information
Professor Pilai Poonswad
Dept of Microbiology
Faculty of Science
Mahidol University
Rama 6 Road
Bangkok
Thailand 10400Tel.: + 66 2 201 5532
scpps@mahidol.ac.th
