When mentioning Doi Suthep-Pui, the golden stupa standing elegantly on the mountain is probably one of the first things people recall. Other than that, people might think of it as a sacred mountain -- one of Chiang Mai's must-visit places. Its role as a natural resource and the closest forest to the city has often been overlooked.
If you happen to visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep anytime soon, you might consider stopping at "Suthepensis Exhibition: Chiang Mai, Now, Then And Hope" at Doi Suthep Nature Study Centre. The exhibition aims to raise people's awareness on the importance of the mountain and forest to the city people and ecological system. A long term interactive exhibition, it will be on show until mid-2017.
"It's a retrospective exhibition. Starting with how people perceive Doi Suthep nowadays then retracing back to the critical period, followed by its glorious time and ending with what people and scientists can do to help preserve nature," said Jarika Makkoch of Dr Kid, a science communication company responsible for creating the exhibition. "It's a scientist's job to study and conduct research on this kind of thing. We have knowledge. We know what's happening. But often, we don't communicate with the public. So the exhibition attempts to get closer to people."
The exhibition's first section portrays the present relationship between people and Doi Suthep. It's not merely a popular Facebook check-in spot but also the city's landmark. Many state-supported projects such as Doi Pui Research Station and the Royal Projects are also related to Doi Suthep.
The second section takes visitors through Doi Suthep's critical period. One of the main causes of change was when forest concessions were allowed. Without strict controls, the forest has been overly exploited. The problem was serious enough that in 1989 commercial logging was completely banned. However, that's not the only cause of natural degradation as other human interventions on the mountains and the building of roads also caused change.
Then comes the exuberant section. The zone is a journey back to the time when Doi Suthep was abundant with nature. Exhibited in this zone are animals, plants and fungi that have been discovered in the forest. Lanna culture, beliefs and indigenous wisdom influenced by these species are also on display.
The last section is the "Hope" zone showing the possibility of how natural resources can benefit from the work of scientists and researchers. The section also displays the accomplishments of scientists and researchers who work on the diversity of Doi Suthep.
-- Pattramon Sukprasert
The exhibition is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.
