The project was vigorously promoted through media to raise awareness of the importance and usefulness of seagrasses. This helped generate a better understanding among the general public of the relevance of seagrass beds and its impact on marine resources and environmental management. Monitoring and measurement of the project implementation was conducted to evaluate the survival rate of seagrass and natural resources fertility. Outcomes The project led to the enhancement of biodiversity and increase of seagrass beds, which had a significant effect on the coastal marine ecosystem. Seagrasses biologically and physically enhance relationships in the ecosystem, and have thus led to the growth of marine species, such as mollusks, fish, crabs, clam worms or rag worms, magnificent sea anemone or ritteri anemone, nudibranchs, sea slugs, black sea cucumbers and even threatened species such as sea turtles and dugong. The growth of seagrasses in the reefs and mangrove areas will help reduce strong waves and currents, and enhance sediment capture. Moreover, seagrass can release nutrients to nearby ecosystem. The complexity of seagrass habitats is important in enhancing the diversity of marine species and fertility of the ecosystem. The local community and relevant organizations have improved consciousness in conserving natural resources and participating in the wise natural resources management to enable fisherfolk to continue sustainable fishery practices. The project also enhanced harmony among people in the local community through the common participation in natural resources conservation. It also raised the consciousness of natural resources conservation among the youth. Monitoring and Measurement MEA, together with the Trang Provincial Fisheries Office, and the Institute of Research and Development of Marine, Coastal and Mangrove Resources, surveyed the survival rate of the seagrass twice a year. The survival rate of seagrass depends upon several factors such as reproduction, growth, area condition, and species found near the seagrass plating area. The results will show the increase in seagrass cover and fertility in the area. Results The results in 2009 and 2010 showed that survival rates with sprouting clumps were 35 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively. After planting of seagrass, the land became muddy with nutrients from soil organic matter. Therefore, the seagrass beds were growing well and became habitats of various marine species. More marine species were found after planting, such as giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon), green tiger prawn (Penaeus semisulcatus), blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus), serrated mud crab (Scylla serrata), three-spot swimming crab (Portunus sanguinolentus), and threadfin bream (Nemipterus sp.). Notably, the moon snail (Polinices sp.) was again recorded after disappearing from the area for several years. Local fishermen became more aware of the importance of seagrass and marine natural resources conservation. They do not fish in the planting area, thus contributing to the speedy rehabilitation of the seagrass habitats. The project also enhanced harmony between the government sector and community through their participation in seagrass planting activities. ENCOURAGING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BUSINESS AND COMMUNITIES FOR BIODIVERSITY 11
In Celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 84th Birthday Anniversary
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