Business, Government and Community Join Forces to Rehabilitate Seagrass Habitat Based on case study entitled : “Seagrass Rehabilitation for Environment Conservation” Compiled by : Metropolitan Electricity Authority of Thailand (MEA) Presented by : Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noparat Bumroongragsa, from Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, at Asia Regional Forum on Biodiversity, Cha-am, Thailand, November 2011 The global warming crisis has had a tremendous impact on environment and natural resources, particularly marine resources. Coastal erosion reduces biodiversity; the unusual emigration of marine species leads to significant changes in the food chain; and destruction of habitats of marine animals destroys sources of food and shelter. As a consequence, an essential source of food for humans has been reduced and has become a significant problem. Seagrass is an important natural marine resource that provides shelter, food and oxygen to many marine species. Seagrass beds are fertile with many marine species due to accumulated soil organic material and nutrients that flow from the mouths of rivers. Seagrasses provide habitats, food, egg laying sites, and nursery grounds for young marine animals, especially rare species such as dugong and sea turtle. Furthermore, seagrasses are natural barriers that help reduce wave actions and protect coastal areas from erosion. They also help improve seawater quality. Based on a 2006 survey by the Institute of Research and Development of Marine, Coastal and Mangrove Resources, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, it was found that the seagrass area in Thailand covered around 92,900 rai (14,864 hectares), of which 58,700 rai (9,392 hectares) are in the Andaman Sea and 34,200 rai (5,472 hectares) are in the Gulf of Thailand. The deterioration of seagrass habitats has been caused by destructive fishing activities that use trawl nets and push nets near the coastal areas. Shrimp farming accelerates the increase of soil particulates in the seawater, resulting in the obstruction of the growth of seagrasses. 8 THE ASIA REGIONAL FORUM ON BIODIVERSITY Moreover, the rise of seawater temperature due to El Niño has also led to the deterioration of seagrass habitats. This has led to a major economic problem since the decrease in marine resources cannot cope with the growing demand for fish and other marine species. Trang Province has the potential for extensive fisheries due the area’s rich marine resources coastal environment. It has a seagrass area of 20,000 rai (3,200 hectare), which is the most fertile seagrass habitat in Thailand. The fisherfolk community and local administration organization play important roles in natural resources management and conservation. However, in the past, some fishermen used illegal fishing methods which damaged marine coastal resources, particularly the seagrass beds. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority of Thailand (MEA) is aware of the importance of environmental conservation and the need to protect seagrass habitats. As a result, MEA set up the “Seagrass Rehabilitation for Environment Conservation Project”, and collaborated with Trang Province to regularly conduct seagrass planting activities at Kangkow Island (Koh Kangkow), Tha Kham Sub-district, Pa Lian District, Trang Province, in 2009-2010. Participants in the activities included MEA executives and staff, media and residents of Trang Province including fishermen, and the youth. Objectives The objectives of the project were to conserve seagrass habitats as source of food and nursery grounds of coastal marine animals, especially dugong, a threatened species; enhance community participation in sustainable natural
In Celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 84th Birthday Anniversary
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