Environmental policy and administrative management

Covering the area of about 326 sq. km., intact and rich in natural resources, Tambol Thai Samakhi is the watershed for both Moon River, a major tributary of the Mekhong River and Bang Pakong River of the Gulf Of Thailand / South China Sea. In 1967, the Thai government built a highway cutting across the area linking the Northeastern Plateau to the South Eastern Coastal area , prompting flow of people migration in to the area , widespread cash crop plantation and imprudent modern agricultural practice. Machinery and chemical substance have been applied at a progressive rate. Ten years later, forest concession was granted leading to heavy deforestation and degradation of land. Lasting for only four years, the concession has caused further degradation. Even though the government has been trying to reverse the situation by annexing some portion of the land into its national park and relocating families, the situation still degrades. Apart from the government, other NGO/CBO were lending their hands to the attempt by building capacity of local people which resulted in the establishment of the group carrying on the rehabilitation and conservation activities in a long term. Project goals or objectives (including GEF problem-area addressed by projects): 1.To support and promote the conservation and management of natural resources and sustainable agriculture 2.To build capacity of target population and dissemination of natural resources and sustainable agriculture, and self-sufficient ,self-reliant agriculture in a participatory approach 3.To support the development of sustainable agriculture and rehabilitation of ecosystems Activities to be carried out under project: 1.Launching survey ,compiling ,analyzing respective data & information and formulation of management plan 2.Building capacity through training , seminar & study tour on the following subjects: -sustainable agriculture (chemical-free , natural, self-reliant agriculture) -supplementary occupation: food processing and preservation -sustainable natural resources management 3.Compiling acquired knowledge and conducting open forum for experience sharing 4.Setting up fund for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem and launching respective field activities Project participants and/or beneficiaries: Reforestation for demonstration Unit 2 ,Nakhornratchasima, Wildlife Fund Thailand, Toxic-free Agricultural Group, Thablarn National Park Anticipated results of project: 1.Fifty families practicing sustainable, chemical-free ,minimum tilling agriculture 2.Emergence of 10 local resources persons , plans for sustainable agriculture and natural resources management , and network of model CBOs keeping the activities

Thailand