Mangrove reforestation and protection
- Thailand
ENTRY DATE: 09.03.2012 | LAST UPDATE: 09.03.2012
SCALE:
- Sub-national Level
TARGET AREA:
- Rural and Urban
BEST PRACTICE IN:
- Capacity Building
- Governance
- Project Implementation
KEY SECTOR:
- Coastal Zone Management
FUNDING AMOUNT:
Description of Intervention
Following the 2004 tsunami, many local communities became interested in mangrove reforestation as a means of protection against disasters, such as storm surges. Four mangrove development stations located in Trang province support the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources’ programme to conserve and rehabilitate mangrove forests.
Problems to be Addressed
Coastal provinces in Thailand face climatic hazards (e.g., storms) and the resulting coastal inundation and erosion. The mangrove forests located in the 23 coastal provinces used to cover 368,000 ha in Thailand in 1961, but the area dropped to 240,000 ha by 2002. The loss of mangrove forests is mainly caused by timber and charcoal industries, urbanization, agriculture and aquaculture, especially shrimp farms.
Aims
Provide protection against storm surges and allow for additional income.
Objectives
Provide training to:
• Build capacity for community forestry management and volunteer network;
• Increase partnerships between the local community, government and NGOs;
• Reduce illegal wood harvesting and land cultivation; and
• Set up Mangrove Protection Zones.
How it fits into the EbA concept
The community nursery activities and development of the Mangrove Protection Zones help maintain the mangrove areas and increase biodiversity of the areas, which not only serve as natural infrastructure which protects coastal communities from storm surges, but also provides them with an additional source of income.
Relevant Publications
» UNFCCC. Project Description.
» Green Left. Article: Thai villagers organise to protect environment