In a bid to promote eco-tourism and conserve natural resources, an event was held at the Family Forest Learning Center for Ecotourism and Mangrove Forest, situated in Moo 2, Khao Daeng Subdistrict, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The occasion was graced by Mr. Ongkharak Thongniramon, the Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, who led the proceedings. The event aimed to raise awareness about the Family Forest Learning Center and its role in biodiversity conservation. It was organized under the project to upgrade natural resources and environmental management, with a special focus on family forests as a means to carry forward the aspirations of previous generations and uphold the principles of the sufficiency economy.
Joining Mr. Ongkharak Thongniramon were distinguished guests, including Mr. Paisan Chorpaka, the Kui Buri District Sheriff, Mr. Somchai Naksuetrong, Director of the Natural Resources Division at the Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office, and Mr. Sarawut Limarurak, President of the Provincial Administrative Organization. Also present were officials from Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, local leaders, and members of the public who actively participated in the activities.
At the heart of the event was the publicizing of the Family Forest Learning Center, which serves as a crucial hub for the utilization and conservation of biodiversity. One of the key initiatives undertaken during the event was the plantation of sea jig trees along the beach at Laem Hua Khot or Laem Tukka. This effort aimed to increase the green area while promoting and supporting ecological tourism. Additionally, the event featured an exhibition and sale of community products and services sourced from the community forest network, known as the Family Forest Network.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ongkharak Thongniramon emphasized the significance of preserving Prachuap Province’s natural resources. With an area spanning over 4 million rai, the province has a rich forest heritage. However, recent findings indicated a decline in the conserved forest area, which now stands at 38.76 percent of the province’s total area, compared to the previous 42.62 percent. In response, the province has set an ambitious target to increase the forest area to 40 percent, aiming to expand the forest beyond the conserved areas by 1.24 percent or 48,101.73 rai. To achieve this goal, approximately 4,810,173 additional trees need to be planted, assuming a planting rate of 100 trees per rai.
To drive this reforestation initiative, the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment has been actively collecting tree planting statistics. As of June 2, 2023, the province ranked 41st in terms of tree planting efforts across the country, with 3,456 registered planters contributing a total of 979,893 trees. Individuals interested in participating in this green movement can register through the Ruamjai Thai project’s website (plant.forest.go.th) to plant trees on available land. This collaborative effort aims to achieve the target of planting 4,810,173 trees, thus increasing the forest area to 40 percent of the province’s total area. Seedlings for this endeavor can be obtained from the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment.
With concerted efforts from the government, local communities, and individuals, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is making commendable strides toward forest restoration and sustainable eco-tourism. By engaging the public and raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources, the province is fostering a greener future and paving the way for a thriving ecological landscape.
Author: Editorial Staff
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