Water resources policy and administrative management

The Banthad Range is the prime watershed area of more than 10 tributaries of the Songkhla Lagoon, an ecological part of the Gulf of Thailand. The decreasing capacity of the watershed area due to deforestation, the alteration of the water courses by small irrigation project, the excessive chemical run-off from cultivated land , the untimely regulation of current between the lagoon and the gulf ,etc, have all contributed to the degrading situation of the ecosystems of the lagoon and the gulf. In coping with these threatening problems, the awareness of the communities , especially local educational institutes, are major factors that subsequently influence the awareness of other groups in the communities. Therefore, the initiative to raise the awareness of youths and responsible CBOs is one , among other efforts by government, that will lead to the commencement of rehabilitation of the lagoon ecosystems. Project goals or objectives (including GEF problem-area addressed by projects): 1.To build conservation awareness for youths so that they could participate in the management of natural resources 2.To forge learning networks of youth for collective protection of the tributaries 3.To build capacity of CBOs that work with local youths Activities to be carried out under project: 1.Assessing the condition and quality of at least 5 tributaries through seminars of teachers and training of students 2.Disseminating information and other media to concerned agencies and other stakeholders 3.Holding open forum for wider publics 4.Surveying bike routes connecting the tributaries Project participants and/or beneficiaries: 1.At least 20 primary and secondary schools in 11 districts of Phatthalung Province 2.All government agencies responsible for education at provincial level 3.Provincial Fishery Office, Provincial Irrigation Office 4.Royal Forestry Department Anticipated results of project: 1.There emerges at least 1 volunteer group undertaking guarding activities for tributaries and water courses of significance. 2.There emerges at least 1 environmental education network of youth , teachers , CBOs and public/private sectors. 3.At least 3 communities compile their own local curriculum on environment management.

Thailand