Community Management of Mangrove Swamp in Thailand
Case Study C0016
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| Date | 2004 |
| Agency | Pred Nai Community Forestry Group |
| Donor/support agency | self |
| Project type | Self implemented |
| Context(s) | Community conserved area |
| Geographic coverage | Thailand |
| Locality | Trat Province/ Pred Nai village |
| Biodiversity focus | Ecosystem/Landscape |
| Development focus | People of Pred Nai village |
| Conservation goals | Conservation of mangrove forests on eastern seaborad of Thailand |
| Poverty reduction goals | Restoring the local rights of harvesting crabs, shells, fish and other forest products in the logging concession areas |
Summary
Pred Nai village is situated near a mangrove swamp in Tat province of Thailand. Mangrove forest area of this region had declined alarmingly from 48000 ha to 4800 ha over the years due to logging concessions and other commercial factors like shrimp farming. It also resulted in decline in fish and crab resources, hence affected the livelihoods of the local people. In the year 1986, concerned with the logging practices and shrimp farming, people of Pred Nai formed a group. They destroyed the watergate, which was used to block sea water in order to create shrimp farms. Soon, logging concessions were also stopped. They developed a forest management plan by mapping all the resources. In tune with their plan, villagers started planting denuded mangrove area. They also implemented crab harvesting regulations with a ban on harvesting during their reproduction period in October. A crab bank was established to increase production of the more economic species like mud crab. After a few years of regulation and management, there has been increase in harvest of grapsoid crab from 5kg/ harvest to 8-10 kg/harvest. Now Pred Nai community is processing their products in crackers, wine and other items for sale. With all these activities, income of the community has doubled. A community saving group has been established with 60 members and a fund of 3 million Baht. Biodiversity in the area has also considerably increased. According to villagers shrimp, shells and fish have increased. Many birds like Mycteria leucopephala, Porphyris poliocephalaus, and ardea purpurea are returning. Monkeys which had left the area are also reappearing. Likewise, the tube snail which had not been seen for the last twenty years is also reappearing. This initiative has snowballed into many such initiatives in nearby villages. In the year 2003, all these villages came together in form of a Community Coastal Resource Management Network to exchange ideas and strengthen community initiatives.
Conservation impact
According to villagers shrimp, shells and fish have increased. Many birds like Mycteria leucopephala, Porphyris poliocephalaus, and Ardea purpurea are returning. Monkeys which had left the area are also reappearing. Likewise, the tube snail which had not been seen for the last twenty years is also reappearing.
Poverty reduction impact
There has been increase in harvest of grapsoid crab from 5kg/ harvest to 8-10 kg/harvest. Now Pred Nai community is processing their products in crackers, wine and other items for sale. With all these activities, income of the community has doubled. A community saving group has been established with 60 members and a fund of 3 million Baht.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Local conservation enterprise opportunities
Provision of alternative livelihoods
Devolution or reinstatement of local rights over/access to resources
Revival of traditional practices
More information
Mrs Sam nao Pedkaew, Village Headman, Pred Nai Village, Hueng Nam Khao District, Trat province, thailand
Related records above this one:
- Pred Nai community Forestry Group (Organisation O0063)