In collaboration with the Forest Restoration Foundation, state agencies and local stakeholder groups, the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin was the primary sponsor of the Participatory Forest Restoration Project at Kaeng Krachan National Park on 16 August. At the heart of the project is a simple but powerful idea; “Restoring Forest, Building an Ecosystem” with community engagement and inclusion.
Over 350 volunteers participated in the planting of 4,000 tree seedlings of 12 indigenous species on 20 rai of vacant land in the wet season to ensure survivability. The selection of native species is intended to support natural ecosystem recovery, enhance biodiversity, and provide suitable habitats for wildlife. Reforesting the 20-rai plot of land is a pilot initiative to eventually increase to an area of 100 rai in the subsequent phases.
The welcome and keynote speeches were delivered by the project leaders and Mr. Suvat Singhaphun, President of the Forest Restoration Foundation, realizes the success of the project cannot be measured simply by the number of trees planted. He explained, “A forest cannot be restored in a single day. Trees need continued care and forests need people who understand their value. Conservation requires long-term commitment and the foundation therefore places equal emphasis on building people who build forests. Building people who care for forests is what makes restoration last.”
President Napa Keawtem of the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin highlighted the importance of environmental action and the organization’s commitment to creating meaningful, lasting impact. She praised the extensive planning, preparation, and dedication behind the project, particularly the cooperation between the Forest Restoration Foundation and Kaeng Krachan National Park. President Napa stated, “This is exactly what Rotary is about; bringing people and organizations together, combining our resources and experience, and turning good intentions into meaningful action.”
Supporting the Environment is Rotary International’s 7th Area of Focus, while this year’s Rotary message, CREATE LASTING IMPACT encourages people of action to work together for the benefit of their communities.
Participating Groups:
Forest Restoration Foundation (FRF)
Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin
Kaeng Krachan National Park
3rd Protected Area Regional Office (Phetchaburi), Department of National Parks
Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC Phetchaburi)
Educational institutions and schools
Local businesses and private sector organizations
Local stakeholders and youth in Ban Pang Mai, Pa Deng sub-district, Kaeng Krachan district, Phetchaburi province
Great thanks to everyone involved and supplying the meaningful photos that captured the event, and special thanks to Rotarian Peter Wydler and Past President Fredy Lienhard for leading this project on behalf of the Environmental Preservation Committee in the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin.
Forest Restoration Foundation (Thailand):
The Forest Restoration Foundation was founded in 2019 by a group of concerned environmentalists as a nationwide network of professionals, educators, development workers, community leaders and youth groups, united in their commitments to conserve, restore and enrich Thailand’s natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystems to ensure sustainable development for mankind and future generations.
Kaeng Krachan National Park:
Declared as a national park on 12 June 1981, Kaeng Krachan National Park is Thailand’s largest national park and forms part of the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional biodiversity.
See more pictures in the photo album here