Planting Mangroves for Capital Protection Based on case study entitled : “Planting Mangrove for Capital Protection” Compiled by : Metropolitan Electricity Authority of Thailand (MEA) Presented by : Dr. Sonjai Havanond, from the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park (SIEP), at Asia Regional Forum on Biodiversity, Cha-am, Thailand, November 2011 The gradual destruction of mangrove forests in Thailand have caused adverse impacts on the marine environment such as the reduction of nursery grounds of marine and coastal animals, as well as an imbalance in the coastal ecosystem. Other impacts include loss of livelihood and food sources since mangroves are nesting grounds for fish, crabs and other marine species; and coastal erosion, which may force people find new settlements. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority of Thailand (MEA) supplies electricity to Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samutprakarn Province and is aware of current social and environmental concerns in the country. MEA thus undertakes a number of activities focusing on environmental conservation, one of which is mangrove reforestation. His Majesty the King of Thailand has expressed his wish to see mangroves restored to their original state. As a result, MEA has implemented the “Planting Mangroves for Capital Protection Project” following the King’s initiatives for sustainable conservation of mangrove forest in Samutprakarn Province. This area is connected to the upper part of Gulf of Thailand and has a 45km-long coastline, of which some 30 km or 67 per cent has been affected by coastal erosion and are considered in critical condition. If this problem is not resolved, the coastline will be continually eroded. Coastal erosion has led to a significant reduction of the mangrove forest along the coastline, resulting in the loss of valuable flora and fauna. Part of MEA’s interventions is the construction of bordered poles and planting of mangroves to help 38 THE ASIA REGIONAL FORUM ON BIODIVERSITY coastal erosion and rehabilitate the mangrove forest. After the implementation of the project, there has been an obvious rejuvenation of the flora and fauna in the mangroves, resulting in a more fertile coastal ecosystem. It also provides nursery grounds for aquatic animals, habitats for both terrestrial species and birds; serves as natural barrier for the inland ecosystem provides; and helps improve the quality of people’s livelihood in the area. Objectives The objectives of the project are to rehabilitate the deteriorated mangrove forest back to its naturally fertile state; increase mangrove forest area along the coastline of Thailand to enhance the coast’s natural barrier (green belt), improve nursery grounds of aquatic animals, strengthen sources of fisheries and medicine, and improve ecological functions of mangrove forests; create education zones for youths and students and raise awareness on the significance of mangrove forests; construct natural breakwaters for sediment capture and protect the coast from strong waves; promote ecotourism in mangrove areas to strengthen people participation in mangrove protection; enhance awareness of the importance of mangrove forest among the general public to engage greater participation in the conservation of mangrove forests; coordinate collaboration among relevant organizations for sustainable mangrove forest conservation; and promote MEA as an organization that is serious about its social and environmental responsibility.
In Celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 84th Birthday Anniversary
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