Annex 10: Project Profile: “In-depth assessment of mangroves and other coastal forests affected by the tsunami in southern Thailand”

1. Background

The devastating Tsunamis caused by the 9.0 magnitude earthquake centered on the west coast of Indonesian Island of Sumatra on 26 December 2004 struck Asian countries surrounding the Indian Ocean, including Thailand. In Thailand, as of 24 January 2005 it is confirmed that 5323 have died 3,115 have lost and 8,457 have injured (nearly a half of them are foreigners from 36 countries, with a further increase of its toll. The foundation of people’s living was badly devastated in the affected provinces in the south, i.e. Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun.

It is reported that mangrove and other coastal forests had played an essential role in protecting the communities behind them from the surge of tsunamis. The damage to the mangrove areas in Ranong, Phangnga and Satun was assessed as about 310 ha. In fact, however, other types of forests, especially on sandy beach forests and peat swamp forests seem to be more severely affected. Serious sand erosion caused many trees uprooted and their roots exposed. In addition, some freshwater plant species appeared to be killed by the exposure to saline water. Various kinds of animal species appeared to have been affected in their habitats by the tsunami. As negative impact has not been assessed yet, it is urgently required to conduct a series of scientific studies to enhance the ecosystem rehabilitation efforts.

2. Project description

The project will conduct in-depth studies on the damage to mangroves, beach forests, peat swamp forests and other coastal plantations affected by the tsunami. The subjects covered will include: 1) physical damage to those forests by forest types, species composition, location, shape and size of a stand, tree height and density, etc. 2) ecological damage and sensitivity (by forest type, species, etc.) and long-term effects on biodiversity; and 3) socio-economic damage to tree farm plantation, such as coconut, rubber trees, cashew nut, etc.; 4) the effectiveness of coastal woody vegetation to mitigate damage to local communities. Findings will be used for better planning of rehabilitation strategies, ecosystem management, and disaster prevention for the local communities.

To identify the assessment areas, remote sensing (RS) and GIS technologies, will be fully utilized in combination with field observations. Areas will be surveyed by group of experts.

The obtained findings will be presented to the local communities, provincial government authorities, NGOs, university staff, journalists, seminars and workshops. Based on the assessment results, a series of technical reports will be issued with recommendations and guidelines for better natural resources management with appropriate land use planning and environment impact assessment (EIA) in coastal areas.

The project will also conduct environmental awareness and disaster prevention training programmes for the local communities, government officials, NGOs and school teachers by using the project reports or their simplified versions to increase public awareness on the productive and protective functions of natural resources to the fisheries and agriculture sectors. Similar information will be provided to the tourism sector as the attractive features of natural environmental are the basic asset for this sector. Environmental education materials will be prepared for school children.

A number of national consultants specialized in forest ecology, geology, soil and land management, land use planning, remote sensing and GIS, disaster management, environmental education, etc. will visit the project areas, to conduct the project activities.

3. Objectives

a) To provide in depth assessment of mangroves and other coastal forests affected by the tsunami to provincial government authorities, local communities, universities and school.

b) To provide technical advise, guidance, training and supervision in order to improve forests, in close collaboration with concerned government agencies and local authorities.

c) To implement mangroves and other coastal forests ecosystem awareness training, education, and disaster vulnerability management programmes.

4. Expected outputs

a) Improvement of forest management systems for sustainable utilization and conservation.

b) Improvement of public awareness on the functions and services of mangroves and other coastal forests to mitigate damage by tsunamis and typhoon waves.

c) Improvement of local community livelihood security systems.

d) Enhancement of technical capacities in the local government staff on the application of land use planning, forest ecosystem management and environmental education programmes.

e) Promotion of the ecological and environmental conscious tourism industry.