Bio-diversity

Being one of many rivulets in the northeastern region and ecological portion of the Lower Middle Mekhong Basin, the Sern basin has been known as one of the rich location for biodiversity in both fresh water and forest ecosystems whose provisions have secured community livelihood in term of food, medicine and harmonious living with environment. However, official classification of uses and watershed management measures has resulted in gradual degradation of this ecosystems. The most pressing issues is the promotion of mono-cash crops. Not only does the promotion prompt natural forest encroachment for more cultivated land, but its accompanied chemicals must also degrade water and soil quality in the basin. Unavoidably, the biodiversity is under real threat, i.e. some species of fishes as well as native plants have been found extinct. At first-hand experience, communities realized both short and long term unfavourable consequence without reversing initiative. Therefore, with some existing capacity, target communities would be supported by the project in term of natural resources management for food security and sustainable use of biodiversity in the project location which is a portion of the Indo-Chinese sub region of the bio-unit. Project participants and/or beneficiaries: 1. Community members of the five target villages are primary beneficiaries and project participants. 2. Agencies as direct contributors to the project: - Tambol Administrative Organizationd providing financial support and in-kind contribution - Pa Pha Phueng Wildlife Sanctuary providing financial support and in-kind contribution Activities to be carried out under project: -Launching capacity building such as seminars , workshops and study tours on the management of soil, water and forest - Launching resources inventories on fishes species and habitats - Launching resources inventories in forest ecosystems - Launching integrated farming system Anticipated results/Immediate Outputs of project: 1.Demonstrated increased capacity of community members through ability to analyze problems and issues and to initiate solution 2. Emergence of three models for natural resources management with about 160 ha 3. Compiled fishes species in Sern Basin. 4. Emerged one fish conservation spot 5. Compiled biodiversity in three locations of community forests 6. Formulated plan for management of natural resources at least in one tambol 7. One set of dissemination materials on approaches for management of natural resources in Sern Basin

Thailand