Environmental policy and administrative management

Originating in the Phu(mountain) Si Than and receiving water from a number of smaller streams of various sizes the Huay Sai Creek runs its course eastward into the Mekhong River.Along the banks of the creeks are community settlement and cultivated lands. Major crops include tapioca, rice, sugarcane and other alien crops such as rose, edible cactus , oranges and grapes. The creek has been providing water for household consumption and agriculture for generations as well as sources of food. The agricultural practice, especially cash crop and plants of alien species, has resulted in the expansion of cultivated land into national forest and excessive application of chemical fertilizer & pesticide and run-off into water courses. Moreover, the forest area is dwindling and becoming degraded through man-made fire resulting in soil erosion. The project aims to reduce the dependence upon chemicals, slow down rate of deforestation and erosion which are salubrious to the Mekhong River eventually and increase vegetation for carbon sink to the world climate. Project goals or objectives (including GEF problem-area addressed by projects): 1.To promote sustainable forest agriculture and integrated farming in watershed areas 2.To instill conservation awareness among target population on harmful effect of chemical substance and benefit of bio-fertilizer 3.To conserve soil, water and forest Activities to be carried out under project: 1.Building capacity of 200 target population on: -forest agriculture, plant breeding, plant maintenance, bio-fertilizer production, watershed protection 2.Producing bio-fertilizer at least 300 kg./family 3.Practicing integrated farming in 2 rais of area /family , at least 4.Establishing funds for bio-fertilizer and plant species 5.Demarcating forest area for collective use and launching reforestation Project participants and/or beneficiaries: 1.The target population is the primary beneficiary 2.In-Paeng Network in conjunction with the Environment Development of Degraded Land of the Land Reform Office Anticipated results of project: 1.Emergence of the followings: -240 rais (~ 40 ha) of integrated farming / forest agricultural land -48,000 trees in addition -Plant Species Support Fund ( 10,000 sapling bags & 5,000 plants ) -Seedling Fund at Ban Dong Luang 2.Reduction of chemical fertilizer by 30,000 kg, equivalent to Baht: 270,000: 3.Emergence of Collective Fertilizer Fund of 48 tons in four Tambols 4.Decreased chemical run-off in soil and water courses

Thailand