The Sustainable Mangrove Management and Coastal Ecosystem Development in Phetchaburi Province project aims to develop a Sustainable Mangrove Management and Coastal Ecosystem Master Plan. The Master Plan will showcase support for the conservation of biodiversity rich mangrove ecosystems, as well as being inclusive and equitable to social and economic development for the surrounding dependent communities in Phetchaburi.
At present, there is a decline of the coastal ecological area caused by negative agricultural environmental impacts. To restore the coastal ecosystem and promote the district to be a model for sustainable community living and mangrove forest restoration, the Ban Laem masterplan concept are divided into 3 pilot cases and community sites that shape the aim of developing an ecological network for resilience of the region.
Pilot site 1: Bang Taboon mangrove forest, Bang Taboon Wittaya school
The Bang Taboon Wittaya School’s Mangrove Ecological Conservation Group was started in 1982, as a part of the Mangrove Forest Ecological System Conservation and Study Center Project, to establish a learning center for students and general public. With its rich biodiversity, the area was proposed for conservation and a development of learning center for the coastal ecosystem that provides communities with their food and way of life. The programs are, the mangrove ecology interactive exhibition located at the information center, with a plant nursery for visitors to plant saplings. A cloth dyeing workshop area within the school, and all along the learning trail are stations that people can learn about the mangrove plants at their natural habitat and the benefits of each surrounding species. This promotes deep forest learning and awareness, showcasing the local’s wisdom of living in a monsoon mangrove ecology. The sustainable design uses natural materials which are easy for locals to maintain, restore and rebuild, and will not cause further pollution to the forest.
Pilot site 2: Bang Khunsai saltern reclamation for bird sanctuary
Bang Khunsai Bird sanctuary is the reclaimed salt farmland and proposed Mangrove Reforestation site located near Bang Khunsai fishery community. The design objectives are to develop local socio-economics, support ecotourism, and bird tourism development in Thailand. The local Bird Blind homestay and Bird watching area, designed to serve as tourists’ attraction, local business, also natural habitats for birds and animals. Following the objective to integrate community and environment harmoniously, leading to resilient solution in climate crisis. The nature-based mangrove restoration method is used, to sustainably restore native species and expand the variety of plants — which includes allowing seedlings from nearby mature mangrove forest to grow in proper conditions. The bird blind integrates into the natural habitats harmoniously, creating the lowest impact and disturbances to the animals. The heights of the observation tower and homestays were designed at different levels to allow natural bird watching in variety of habitats.
Pilot site 3: Pak Thale Bird conservation society of Thailand
Pak Thale Bird conservation site is one of the pilot cases and famous Coastal Bird watching location in Phetchaburi, where Bird Conservation Society of Thailand (BCST) is located. The former salt farming site has been reserved and proposed to become a bird watching site and its habitat The design’s main concern is to avoid bird interruption and minimize human effects to them. Preserve the natural environment for endangered birds while design typical bird watching structure to make it more suitable for visitors interested in learning about bird habitats. The station was designed by submerging into the ground earthen dyke level which make visitors’ eye being closer to the saltern water level.
Sustainable Mangrove and Coastal Ecosystem Development in Phetchaburi
Location: Phetchaburi, Thailand
Designer Credit: Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect
Client: Municipality of Phetchaburi Province