Environmental research

A comparatively rich lowland situated in the ecosystems of the lower Lower Mekhong Basin, the target location is known ,in Surin Province, as a source of good-quality jasmine rice. It is also a famous spot for tropical trees and Indian Mulberry of native species. Target population earns their living through agricultural practice paddy, mulberry and other species of horticulture. The main supplementary income is from silk weaving and dyeing where the products are offered in annual traditional festive events. In bleaching and dying process, both canned gas fossil fuel and fire-woods are used. It is estimated that 20-25 cans of gas are being used monthly with Baht: 5,000: - 6,250: being spent. As for fire-woods, the respective figures are seven tons and Baht: 5,250: including transportation cost. The waste generated from the process is estimated at 200 litres/person/day.Therefore,the daily waste which contains chemicals of dying and bleaching is totaled up to 14,000 litres, which will adversely affect ecosystems in the area, especially land and water systems, if left unattended. The activities would contribute to avoiding added-up greenhouse gas by using renewable energy and fire-woods in a sustainable way, as well as protect the ecosystems of the Mekhong River- benefiting two focal areas of GEF. Project participants and/or beneficiaries: - 70 group members in the village are primary beneficiaries. - Department of Industrial Promotion providing technical supports on renewable energy and environment issues - Department of Agricultural Extension - Chua Phlerng Tambol Administrative Organization Activities to be carried out under project: 1. Building three biogas pits and four stoves 2. Establishing systems to collect waste in the village 3. Organizing training session for community members on biogas use and maintenance of system 4. Producing organic compost 5. Building capacity of members on related subjects and build waste treatment facilities 6. Renovating pre-existing bleaching and dyeing facility as assigning as project centre 7. Systematizing bleaching and dyeing in the village Anticipated Results/Immediate Outputs of Project: 1. Reduction of canned gas and fire-woods in bleaching and dyeing process by 80 % 2. Produced organic compost of 100-150 kg. per month. 3. Observable cleaner community environment with increased environment capacity of community members 4. Twenty members with increased capacity on waste water treatment systems 5. One waste water treatment facility in operation and 60-70 % cleaner natural water course 6. Emergence of a centre for bleaching and dyeing in community 7. twenty members regularly coming for service from the centre 8. Reduction of household water consumption by 60 %

Thailand