top of page

About Us

As urbanisation and tourism accelerate globally, the relationship between humans and nature has become a critical focus in tackling sustainability challenges. Urban destinations in Thailand and the Netherlands, characterised by unique cultural, natural, and urban dynamics, provide complementary settings to examine these issues.

ac328d2d-258d-42f6-9a38-dc14dedabb3c.webp

Mission

SusDeLL will serve as a transdisciplinary platform to foster innovation, research, and collaboration. The lab will investigate and co-create solutions to enhance human-nature relations while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

642804331_1418501050305492_3369127064177988152_n.jpg

Objectives

01

Advancing Research on Human-Nature Relations

To study the interplay between urbanisation, tourism, and ecological systems in Thailand and the Netherlands.

To identify strategies for fostering regenerative tourism and sustainable destination management.

To integrate new findings into sustainability and conservation practices.

02

Strengthening Cross-Cultural Collaboration

To unite BUas and SWUIC teams in a joint effort to exchange knowledge and develop scalable, culturally sensitive solutions.

To develop an international conservation network that connects BUAS and SWUIC for collaboration in conservation, knowledge exchange, and sustainability projects.

03

Promoting Stakeholder and Community Engagement

To engage diverse stakeholders, including governments, private sectors, NGOs, academic institutions and local communities, in co-creating sustainable practices.

To enhance local empowerment in achieving conservation objectives.

To provide students, researchers, and practitioners with hands-on experience in applied sustainability research.

04

Enhancing Educational Opportunities

643545063_1418505270305070_5317368431197536811_n.jpg

BUas & SWUIC Collaborative Initiative

Our Collaborative Activities

The Master Programme of Tourism Destination Management, Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas), the Netherland and International College for Sustainability Studies (SWUIC), Srinakharinwirot university, Thailand are committed to advancing sustainability in research, education, and community engagement. By leveraging the strengths of Breda University of Applied Sciences and SWUIC.

01

Joint Research Projects

Studies on topics such as ecotourism, Human and Elephant Conflict, green infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, preservation of cultural heritage, and the socio-economic impacts of tourism.

02

Stakeholder Engagement Workshops

Co-design sessions that engage local communities and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors in identifying and addressing sustainability challenges.

Designing training modules that address environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainable tourism.

Developing guidelines and guidebooks to promote sustainable practices and foster community engagement in natural resource management.

03

Student and Faculty Exchanges

Opportunities for students and researchers from both universities to engage in fieldwork and collaborative projects in both countries.

04

Knowledge Dissemination Events

Conferences, public talks, and publications to share findings with global audiences.

The People Behind SusDeLL

SusDeLL is a joint collaborative initiative between Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) and Srinakharinwirot University International College for Sustainability Studies (SWUIC).

EC_edited.jpg
Dr. Erdinç Çakmak

SusDeLL Research Co‑Director, BUas

CS edited_edited.jpg
Asst. Prof. Dr. Chution Savini

SusDeLL Research Co‑Director, SWUIC

Their shared leadership and expertise are the driving forces behind SusDeLL’s mission to empower local and indigenous communities through transdisciplinary innovation.

Terms of Reference (ToR) for the
SusDeLL Research Director Role

The SusDeLL Research Director role is a voluntary duty providing strategic leadership to develop, implement, and manage sustainability-focused research and academic programs. This leadership ensures alignment with the institution’s vision and global sustainability standards, spearheading initiatives that position BUas and SWUIC as thought leaders while enhancing cross-disciplinary collaboration and engaging external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

Develop and implement a comprehensive sustainability research strategy aligned with institutional goals.

Provide visionary leadership to establish BUas and SWUIC as global leaders in sustainable development and tourism research.

Advancing Research on Human-Nature Relations

Focus on advancing research that strengthens human-nature connections.

Identify innovative and practical solutions to sustainability challenges through rigorous research methodologies.

Strengthen Cross-Cultural Collaboration

Build and nurture cross-cultural collaboration between BUas and SWUIC teams to exchange knowledge and create scalable, culturally sensitive solutions.

Develop joint research initiatives that address local and global sustainability challenges.

Develop an International Conservation Network

Establish and strengthen a network of partners, connecting BUas and SWUIC with academic institutions, conservation organizations, and sustainability experts.

Foster collaborations for conservation, knowledge exchange, and sustainability projects.

Promote Stakeholder and Community Engagement

Actively engage with stakeholders, including communities, to co-create and implement sustainability solutions.

Organize forums and outreach initiatives to share research outcomes and promote sustainable practices.

Enhance Educational Opportunities

Integrate sustainability-focused curricula into academic programs.

Provide mentorship to faculty and students, guiding them in sustainability research and projects.

Capacity Building

Organize capacity-building workshops, seminars, and training sessions on key sustainability topics.

Equip students, faculty, and external partners with the knowledge and tools needed for impactful sustainability practices.

Build Partnerships

Forge collaborations with academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and private sector entities focused on sustainability and sustainable tourism.

Strengthen the relationship between academia and industry to support applied research and innovation.

Expected Outcomes

A robust understanding of human-nature relations in Thai and Dutch contexts.

Scalable solutions for sustainable tourism practices that align with local and global sustainability goals.

Strengthened partnerships between BUas and SWUIC as leaders in sustainable destination research.

Increased capacity for students and practitioners in applied sustainability science.

Conclusion

This joint Living Lab initiative will create a dynamic bridge between BUas and SWUIC,
fostering a deeper understanding of human-nature relations and advancing sustainable
tourism. By uniting diverse perspectives and expertise, the lab will contribute meaningfully
to global sustainability efforts, ultimately supporting the restoration and harmony of nature.

bottom of page