“The Golden Bay” A Treasure Trove…from the Mangrove Forest
12 June 2018The Ban Na Thap Community in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province was one of the areas that experienced mangrove forest degradation. After a decline in aquatic animals, fishery could no longer be done as in the past.
Mr. Taksin Minman said that during the past 5 years, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has passed on knowledge on how to grow mangrove forest to the locals in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, which managed to recover an area of more than 2,000 rai of mangrove forest, mitigate coastal erosion, and restore fertility to the ecosystem. The mangrove forest at Ban Na Thap Community has become more abundant. The many species of fish which disappeared from the area are returning. Locals don’t have to leave home during the monsoon season to find other work because they have income from catching mangrove crabs and collecting honey from the mangrove forest. Even the piled-up mud in the area contains more than 40 types of minerals, equal to the Dead Sea mud which helps protect our skin and absorb grime. The mud has been developed into a beauty product which adds value to the community. The mangrove in this area is considered a treasure trove of the sea which the locals have dubbed the “Golden Bay.”
“Ever since we have the forest, although we could not fish, we no longer have to move to find other work. The forest is a source of food, and it creates jobs, so we could support ourselves.”
Mr. Taksin Minman, President of Ban Laem Homestay Mangrove Conservation Group
