International Conference on Local Edible Plant Diversity at InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping

December 10

“Edible Flowers” Open a New Chapter in Global Food Industry: Experts Highlight High Potential as Food of the Future.
On December 10, 2024, the main conference hall of the InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping Hotel hosted the international academic conference FEDxMekong 2024, organized by Chiang Mai University in collaboration with its partners. The conference, themed “Local Edible Plant Diversity: Utilization of Forgotten Species for Future Food Security and Conservation of Biocultural Diversity,” highlighted the growing global interest in edible flowers.
The opening ceremony was led by Assistant Professor Darunee Naprom, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, who emphasized the crucial role of edible flowers across three main dimensions:
1. Cultural Dimension: Exploring traditional knowledge and practices that incorporate flowers into food and daily life.
2. Medical Dimension: Investigating the hidden health benefits and bioactive properties of flower petals.
3. Food Dimension: Unlocking the potential of edible flowers to address global food security challenges.
The conference featured several engaging presentations from leading researchers, including:
Nutritional and Mineral Analysis of indigenous flowers from Laos and Thailand.
Studies on the Cultural and Medicinal Significance of flowers in traditional practices.
Innovative Food Product Development using edible flowers as key ingredients.
Special lectures were delivered by global experts such as Lucas Lukzac, who spoke on “Outdoor Markets: A Gateway to Preserving Wild Foods,” and Michael Heinrich, who offered international perspectives on addressing ethnobotanical challenges.
Professor Dr. Pongrak Sribanditmongkol, President of Chiang Mai University, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the event’s supporters and participants, stating:
“It is truly an honor to stand here today. Before we proceed, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to the supporters whose crucial roles made this event possible. Your dedication to promoting the conservation and innovation of local edible plant diversity is commendable. Without your vision and commitment, this global gathering of experts would not have been possible.”
As a gesture of appreciation, the president presented commemorative gifts to key contributors. Special recognition was given to Associate Professor Dr. Sarana Somno, head of the research project and a faculty member of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, for coordinating efforts that brought the event to fruition.
This conference showcased the untapped potential of edible flowers—not only in cultural and health contexts but also as a sustainable solution for global food security and innovation in food systems. Flowers are no longer just ornamental; they are stepping into the spotlight as the sustainable “Food of the Future.”