Mangrove tourism project coming to Phuket

One mayor in Phuket is planning a new eco-tourism project involving mangrove forests. Ratsada Mayor Nakarin Yosangrat plans to make mangrove forests in the Tha Chin Canal and Bang Chee Lao area part of a protected nature reserve. The initiative is officially named the Ratsada Green in the City Project.

Phuket’s Department of Marine and Coastal Services will also build a recreation and learning centre, as well as nature trails. The project is not only meant to help preserve mangrove forests, but also to boost the area’s economy by inviting locals to participate in protecting the forests. Mayor Nakarin said…

“The project also aims to strengthen participation among all people to help support the local economy in a sustainable way by protecting our natural resources.”

The DMCR and other groups approved the project at a meeting with Nakarin this week. The other groups supporting the project are the Phuket Mangrove Forest Resource Management Center, and Phuket Rajabhat University. Nakarin invited all government agencies and local private businesses to support the project for “the continuing conservation and restoration of natural areas”.

Earlier this week, almost 1,000 mangrove trees were planted in another area of Thailand. Hong Kong’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific has planted 999 mangrove trees in the Khlong Khon Mangrove Forest in Samut Songkram, central Thailand as part of its “1 Ticket, 1 Tree” initiative.

The airline launched the initiative last year, committing to planting 1 tree for every plane ticket bought in a one-month period. Cathay Pacific’s aim in planting the trees is to combat at least some of the carbon that the airline emits into the atmosphere.

Thailand’s flora and fauna are under threats from constant pollution due to human activities. But Thai officials like Nakarin continue to fight to preserve the country’s nature.

SOURCE: The Phuket News