Bio-diversity

Situated in the Indo-Chinese sub region of the bio-unit, the target location represents an integrated part of forest ecosystems and fresh water ecosystems. The forest area which serves as a drainage basin for the Li River has been reduced to about 50 % of its origin and rated as a degraded forest. Not only did the area teem with dipterocarp, but it also contains an endemic species called Tong Sard which is evergreen and provides habitats for other species during hot and dry months. One recent regional bio-geographic map showed the target area falling in a category where the percentage of original habitat remaining in the area is 21-39 %. In the year 2000, Baan Huayhang community members convened an open forum to analyze the prevailing causes of environment and natural resources and reached the conclusion attributing the degradation to lack of appropriate systems for management of land and forest. The short-sighted agricultural development in conjunction with geographical limitation in the area has resulted in dwindling amount of both the dipterocarp and the Tong Sard. During a few years that followed, the community has been participating in activities of the RakThai Foundation where its capacity was built to a certain extent. At present, the remaining area of the species is estimated at square -meters scale only. Therefore, the committee of the village proposed the project to increase biodiversity , manage knowledge , reduce soil erosion through participatory approach. Project participants and/or beneficiaries: 1. Community members in Baan Huayhang are the main beneficiary 2. Rak Thai Foundation 3. Village Women s Groups and community networks 4. Tambol Administrative Organizations 5. Community Schools Activities to be carried out under project: 1. Conducting capacity building activities: People forum, resources inventories, Formulation of plans, alternative use 2. Launching rehabilitation activities: local weirs, fire-breaks, forest surveillance 3. Participating in all levels of training, seminars, and study tours (provincial, regional and national level) 4. Establishing nature study centre 5. Formulating local curriculum on sustainable use of biodiversity 6. Launching youth camps, womens group seminars and provincial-level seminar Anticipated Results of Projects: 1. Acquired data & information before and after project activities 2. Demonstrated built-up capacity of community members through active participation, ability to share and learn from one another 3. Plan for sustainable use of natural resources and biodiversity 4. An area of 250 ha for biodiversity being protected and rehabilitated. 5. Community members being able to retrain other members and becoming resources persons 6. Emergence of model area for watershed development and learning on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use 7. One local curriculum for community use and reference 8. Increased capacity of 300 students, 30 youths, 30 community leaders and 100 from wider public with ability to present lessons learnt

Thailand