Topic

"Dramatic Increase in Support for Mangrove Rehabilitation Project in Ranong, Thailand "

Last year, 134 people visited the Ranong Mangrove Rehabilitation Project. Our thanks to those who participated in the dispatch program supported by The Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Co. Ltd, Aia Ltd, IBM Japan Tokyo Office, and Fukuoka Love Green Wings. Another big thanks to those of you who donate regularly; your contributions are highly appreciated!

The Denta Zone, situated on the Kraburi River that runs between the border of Ranong and Chumphon, is home to one of Asia's most prominent Mangrove forests, covering 19,600 ha of land. However, in the last 30 years, this forest area has been halved due to new activities such as a shrimp cultivation pond, charcoal production, and lumbering by Tin Ore Mining. The repeated lumbering has broken the natural cycle's capacity for natural repair. Thus, in the late 1960s, the Natural Resource Environmental Ministry intervened to restore the forest.

The Mangrove Rehabilitation Project is currently being run by OISCA. This Project started in 2000, with contributions by OISCA supporters. Four years later, 420 ha (equaling 90 Tokyo Domes!) has been replanted. Also, Rhizophora mucronata and Rhizophora Apiculata has been planted between the Mangrove trees and some already measure three meters high.

Generally, growing Mangrove trees is extremely difficult, especially in the highly adverse conditions of the forest. However, the survival rate of the Mangrove trees in this Project is 90%, which is not only due to the favorable environment but to the strong determination of the Project's supporters. As Kayai Tongununoi (Natural Resource Environmental Ministry Staff) states,

"We have a responsibility to restore the forest and thus, this project should be endorsed."

It could be said that Kayai's high afforestation technology, his love for his homeland, Ranong, and his strong will to conserve Ranong produced the high survival rate of the Mangrove trees. Also, the passion and effort of the OISCA supporters, the persons involved in this project, and the OISCA Thailand staff are sources of inspiration and power that keep this project going.

Through this project OISCA hopes to establish strong links with the Ranong state, local residents, the Thai government, and OISCA Japan members. This, in turn will hopefully generate more interest and support for OISCA. We hope you continue supporting us in this Mangrove Rehabilitation Project and will keep you updated with our progress!


	January 2003: February 2003: March 2003: April 2003: May 2003: June 2003: July 2003: August 2003: September 2003: October 2003 November 2003 December 2003 February 2004 April 2004 May 2004 June 2004	Rabaul Center Establishes a System for Recycling Life and Livelihood Renovating School Forests for Environmental Education OISCA Makes Contributions to the 'UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development' through the WSSD Elephant Gifts from Surin, Thailand OISCA Graduates Work to Support Palawan T.C. Tree Planting for the "Bridge of Forests Pioneering Women's Training in Bangladesh Fighting Poverty with Silk in the Philippines Mangrove Belt Expands to 50 km in Chokoria, Bangladesh Tree Planting Day with Youth from China and Japan OISCA Graduates Serve for Community-Building in Fiji CFP Activities Expanded Successful School Construction with Indonesian Villagers Efforts to Create a Local Sericulture Industry in North Sumatra Utilization of School Forests for Environmental Education Ex-soldiers Now Take Up the Shovel and Hoe