Results Mangrove planting activities have been successful, resulting in robust mangrove areas covering 200 rai (32 hectares) at Prajulajomklow Fort of Samutprakarn Province. Mangroves planted at Ban Thung La-ong Village in Kura Buri District, Phang Nga Province are also growing well but need to be maintained and monitored to ensure an increased coverage of the mangrove area. Mangroves planted at Bang Pu holiday resort, in Samutprakarn Province, however, were affected by wind and strong currents, therefore resulting in a 60 per cent survival rate. However, replanting has been implemented and it can be anticipated that the survival rate will be gradually increased due to barriers made from bamboos that have been installed along the area. There has been great interest and participation in the youth camps for conservation of mangrove forest. After the camp, the youth participants gained more knowledge and a better understanding of mangrove conservation. Students from vocational colleges have also expressed interest in participating in the mangrove planting activities resulting in an average of 3,000 student participants per year. Through the project activities, they learned the values of mangrove forest, proper methods in mangrove conservation, and developed a deeper consciousness in natural resource conservation. University students from Thammasat University and Chulalongkorn University have also participated in project activities and have likewise learned the importance of mangroves and are willing to support activities that will help increase the coverage of mangrove forests in Thailand. Students from Wat Pleng secondary school in Nonthaburi Province also enjoyed their experience with the MEA project. These students are now members of the mangrove forest conservation network who disseminate knowledge on the importance of mangrove forests and help spread awareness on the critical situation of mangroves among students of their respective schools. Aside from these schools, a number of educational institutions have expressed their interest to participate in mangrove planting activities. Research on the installation of bordered poles along the shoreline has been promoted and gained the interest of media. Media attention has helped highlight the importance of mangroves among the general public and various organizations. Research also showed that from October 2005 to November 2007 (25 months), the accumulated sediment reached 42 cm, which will enable the growth of planted mangroves. The project has also yielded the following outcomes: rehabilitation of mangrove forest back to its naturally fertile state; development of a source of community incomes that support sustainable livelihoods; awareness among the youth of environmental issues and the importance of mangrove forests; protection from coastal erosion; and the creation of a natural green belt in Samutprakarn Province that can protect Bangkok from natural disasters. ENCOURAGING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BUSINESS AND COMMUNITIES FOR BIODIVERSITY 43
In Celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 84th Birthday Anniversary
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