The botanical garden of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Srinakharinwirot University, serves as a conservation area for medicinal plants. Established in collaboration with the Agricultural Land Reform Office and the Land Development Office, this garden spans approximately 3.7 hectares in Banna district, Nakonnayok province.
The garden not only provides a recreational space for the community but also hosts workshops on the proper use of herbs and herbal products. Participants learn about the medicinal plants commonly used in the community, as well as their safety and efficacy. Emphasizing herb processing techniques—such as drying, chopping, and storage—the garden aims to preserve the quality of these valuable plants. Additionally, it encourages community members to cultivate herbs for primary health care in their own backyards.
To promote lifelong learning, the botanical garden offers various educational resources. These include a Facebook page and a website where reading materials and short video clips are shared. Regular workshops are also held, welcoming anyone interested in learning about herb usage and medicinal plants. Furthermore, the garden organizes special sessions for school students, fostering an interest in traditional Thai medicine.
Visitors can explore the garden using a walking route map that provides information about the plants within. By studying plant characteristics and medicinal uses, individuals gain valuable knowledge.
Initially developed on acidic wasteland covering 3.7 hectares, the botanical garden now thrives as a forested area with numerous trees. Through the collection of diverse plant species and sustainable resource management, the garden has become a protected habitat for both plants and animals. Its efforts have successfully halted biodiversity loss and reversed land degradation.
Designed with permaculture principles in mind, the garden harmonizes with nature. Rainfall is captured through strategically placed plant beds and an artificial canal. Fallen leaves are transformed into compost, and natural pesticides are used to control insect infestations. This holistic approach extends beyond the garden, reaching out to the wider community.

1. Conservation of Medicinal Plants:
o By serving as a conservation area for medicinal plants, the botanical garden contributes to preserving plant biodiversity. Many of these plants have valuable therapeutic properties and are essential for traditional medicine, research, and future drug development.
o The garden ensures that these plants are protected from extinction, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
2. Community Health and Well-Being:
o The workshops held in the garden educate community members about the appropriate use of herbs and herbal products. This knowledge can empower individuals to address common health issues using natural remedies.
o Encouraging people to grow herbs in their backyards promotes self-sufficiency in primary health care. It reduces reliance on synthetic drugs and fosters a deeper connection to nature.
3. Lifelong Learning Opportunities:
o The educational resources provided by the botanical garden—such as the Facebook page, website, and workshops—promote continuous learning. Participants gain insights into traditional medicine, plant identification, and sustainable practices.
o School students attending special sessions learn about their cultural heritage and the importance of medicinal plants. This knowledge can inspire future generations to appreciate and protect natural resources.
4. Land Restoration and Environmental Impact:
o The transformation of acidic wasteland into a thriving forested area demonstrates the garden’s positive impact on the environment. It reverses land degradation and prevents soil erosion.
o Biodiversity flourishes within the protected habitat, benefiting not only plants but also animals. The garden becomes a microcosm of ecological balance.
5. Permaculture Principles:
o Designing the garden with permaculture principles ensures sustainability and harmony with nature. Rainwater capture, composting, and natural pest control exemplify regenerative practices.