UNESCO Thai heritage site threatened by reservoir projects: Probe
Environmentalists are urging a House committee to investigate two reservoir construction projects that they fear may threaten the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex in Nakhon Ratchasima, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Klong Madue reservoir project in Nakhon Nayok and another near the forest complex have raised concerns among conservationists.
Suthee Rattanamongkol, leading the Khao Yai Forest Conservation Network, highlighted the potential risks of these projects. He expressed apprehension that initiatives proposed by the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) might jeopardise the forest complex’s world heritage status. Suthee appealed to the House Committee on Land, Natural Resources, and Environment for a thorough investigation.
“If the projects are allowed to go ahead, more than 20,000 rai of the forest complex, which is crucial to the ecological system, will disappear, and forest wildlife will lose their natural habitats.”
The World Heritage Committee, during its 44th session in China in 2021, had already advised the Thai government to abandon any plans for dam constructions with reservoirs within the forest complex. Additionally, the committee recommended conducting a strategic environmental assessment of the river basin.
Recognised as a natural World Heritage site in 2005, the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex spans 230 kilometres from Khao Yai National Park to Ta Phraya National Park, which lies on the border with Cambodia.
Environmentalists remain steadfast in their mission to safeguard this area, emphasising its importance to ecological balance and biodiversity, reported Bangkok Post.
In other news, Khao Yai National Park has clarified that Sutthiporn Sinka, known as “Phlai Su” resigned from his duties of pushing back wild elephants rather than being transferred. He faced numerous complaints for using inappropriate methods that posed risks to tourists.
