Environmental research

Situated in the ecosystem of the Sea of Bengal, the main occupation of community members is plantation of para-rubber trees and palm oil , with other minor edible crops. Other supplementary occupations which contributes to additional income are liquor and feed production. A result of the Community Master Plan, the Hog Raising Group was formed to contribute to a solution process of socio-economic problem. With current 80-100 hogs of the group, and foreseeable 200-300 in the near future, the amount and effect of manure is comparatively considerable in a small village. While the unpleasant odour produce its effect covering over half a kilometre away, the liquid and solid part of manure can , in a long tern, seep down to underground water systems thus pose imminent threat to both human and ecosystems. In the production of liquor for sales, the major sources of energy is fire-woods available in the locality and wood trashes purchased from nearby saw mills at Baht:0.50/kg. At one point, the group was considering fuelling the production process with canned gas, but due to its high cost, the canned gas was not an appropriate option but the locally available manure was. Project participants and/or beneficiaries: - 20 families in Baan Huay Nam Kaew who are members of the group are primary participants and beneficiaries. - The 11th region Office of Renewable Energy Development and Energy Conservation in Nakhonsithammarat Province providing technical support - The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives playing participating role in the working Group as an advisor - Community Development and Learning Promotion Department, Ramkhamhang University Activities to be carried out under project: 1. Building one central biogas facility of 100 cu.m and putting into use in distilling liquor 2. Laying gas pipe to four nearby families and supplying gas for cooking on a trial basis 3. Launching open forum and exhibition on both local and global environment protection Anticipated Results/Immediate Outputs of Project; 1. Animal waste being rid of at 95 % 2. Avoidance of about 28,800 kg. of fire-wood currently required in producing liquor , thus a certain amount of greenhouse gas and a savings of Baht:14,400 per year 3. Reduction of canned gas by 30 kg./month/families and a savings of about Baht: 560/month/family 4. Emergence of a demonstration spot on environment protection and renewable energy application 5. Emergence of environment protection movement in surrounding areas.

Thailand