Bangkok, Thailand, 5 June 2026 – The “Icons of Hope” T-shirt collection – a collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Thai apparel brand YUEDPAO, launches today on World Environment Day. 

The campaign transforms an everyday purchase into meaningful support for conservation, shining a light on the iconic animal and plant species of Thailand, which is home to nearly 10 percent of the world’s biodiversity.

Designed in partnership with Thailand’s Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) and the community artist of Dek Rak Thoong from Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, the campaign draws inspiration from Thailand’s forests, wetlands, and marine and coastal ecosystems:

• In forests, the Indochinese tiger helps maintain ecological balance while the great hornbill disperses seeds that support forest regeneration, together contributing to healthy ecosystems that provide water and livelihoods for communities. 
• In wetlands, the fishing cat, purple swamphen, and lotus represent ecosystems that connect land and water, supporting rich biodiversity while helping to filter water, reduce floods, and sustain agriculture and fisheries. 
• Along Thailand’s coasts, dugongs and green sea turtles depend on healthy seagrass meadows for food, while seagrass helps store carbon, protect shorelines, and support marine life and coastal livelihoods.

All profits from the special Icons of Hope collection will go to support community-led initiatives that protect ecosystems, conserve threatened species, and advance nature-positive development in some of Thailand’s most important biodiversity landscapes through the UNDP Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme (SGP). Icons of Hope Collection is available from 5 June to 31 December 2026 through YUEDPAO channels and campaign partners.

“Thailand’s biodiversity is one of the country’s greatest strengths. It supports livelihoods, strengthens climate resilience, and sustains food systems. Yet biodiversity loss continues to accelerate. Through the Icons of Hope campaign, we aim to make biodiversity conservation more accessible and inspire people to take action, because when we protect iconic species, we protect entire ecosystems and the communities that depend on them,” said Niamh Collier-Smith, UNDP Resident Representative in Thailand.

“YUEDPAO believes that businesses can contribute to society in ways that go beyond products. We see creativity and fashion as powerful tools to communicate important issues and inspire action. Through Icons of Hope, we hope to connect people with nature in a meaningful way and demonstrate how everyday choices can contribute to protecting biodiversity while supporting communities working on conservation at the local level,” said Tanongsak Saeaw, Chief Executive Officer, YUEDPAO.

“Biodiversity conservation cannot be achieved by one institution alone. It requires collaboration across government agencies, communities, the private sector, academia, and the public. The National Biodiversity Action Plan emphasizes the importance of participation and collective action to safeguard Thailand’s natural heritage. We welcome initiatives such as Icons of Hope that help raise awareness, strengthen public engagement, and mobilize support for biodiversity conservation in innovative and accessible ways,” said Nareerat Panmanee, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP).

Thailand is recognized as one of the most biodiverse countries in Southeast Asia and is home to approximately 8–10 percent of the world’s biodiversity, including around 15,000 plant species, more than 980 bird species, 302 mammal species, 320 reptile species, and 120 amphibian species. 

Yet biodiversity is facing growing pressures from habitat loss, climate change, pollution, unsustainable resource use, and ecosystem degradation. These challenges threaten not only wildlife, but also food security, livelihoods, climate resilience, and the well-being of communities that depend on healthy ecosystems. 

In response, Thailand’s National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023–2027 calls for stronger conservation efforts and greater participation from government, businesses, communities, financial institutions, youth, and civil society.

Through the Icons of Hope campaign, UNDP, YUEDPAO, and ONEP aim to contribute to these efforts by raising public awareness, mobilizing resources, and supporting community-led biodiversity conservation. The campaign also contributes to global biodiversity goals under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which call for urgent action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. The 

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working in 170 countries and territories, UNDP supports nations to build integrated solutions for people and planet while advancing sustainable development.

About YUEDPAO

YUEDPAO is a Thai apparel brand committed to creating accessible, meaningful, and responsible products while promoting positive social and environmental impact through creativity, collaboration, and purpose-driven business.

About ONEP

The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, is responsible for formulating national environmental and biodiversity policies and serves as Thailand’s focal agency to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

For media inquiries:

Karnklon Raktham
Head of Strategic Communications and Engagement
UNDP Thailand
Email: karnklon.raktham@undp.org
Tel: +66 90 414 9454

Panlop Chaipong
CSR Lead
YUEDPAO
Email: csr@rermmai.com
Tel: +66 96 816 2685