MAP Asia ventures into developing mangrove nature trails
By Manon Whittaker, MAP Asia Intern
MAP Asia has been developing Mangrove Interpretation Nature
Trails in partnership with two communities involved in mangrove restoration.
Trails in partnership with two communities involved in mangrove restoration.
 |
Klong Lu Mangrove Interpretive Nature Trail, Krabi |
The first project is located at the Klong Lu Homestay, on Koh
Klang Island, Krabi Province, Southern Thailand with the combined trail and
mangrove restoration project completed in December 2015, with the support from
the Global Nature Fund (GNF). The mangrove restoration site, which was an
abandoned shrimp pond, is situated next to the Klong Lu Homestay and appears to
be a great opportunity for the community to develop a nature trail as part of
their eco-tourism activities.
Klang Island, Krabi Province, Southern Thailand with the combined trail and
mangrove restoration project completed in December 2015, with the support from
the Global Nature Fund (GNF). The mangrove restoration site, which was an
abandoned shrimp pond, is situated next to the Klong Lu Homestay and appears to
be a great opportunity for the community to develop a nature trail as part of
their eco-tourism activities.
With the help from MAP and volunteers from Projects Abroad
the construction of the trail advanced rapidly and is already in use. The Mangrove
Nature Trail consists of a short loop pathway around the Community Based
Ecological Mangrove Restoration site with three interpretation signs on
mangrove ecology along the trail. There are also mangrove species identification
signs which describe the various species found on site. This is a great
opportunity to promote mangrove ecosystems and educate visitors who include
daily tourists, individuals and groups staying at Klong Lu Homestay, local
school kids and other students. This year, already 2000 people have utilized this
nature trail.
the construction of the trail advanced rapidly and is already in use. The Mangrove
Nature Trail consists of a short loop pathway around the Community Based
Ecological Mangrove Restoration site with three interpretation signs on
mangrove ecology along the trail. There are also mangrove species identification
signs which describe the various species found on site. This is a great
opportunity to promote mangrove ecosystems and educate visitors who include
daily tourists, individuals and groups staying at Klong Lu Homestay, local
school kids and other students. This year, already 2000 people have utilized this
nature trail.
 |
Project Abroad team helping the owner of the Klong Lu Homestay to build the nature trail |
The second mangrove nature
trail project is located at Ta Sanook Village, in Phang Nga Province. It is
being funded by DAIMLER AG as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project
which is managed by GNF. The short nature trail will go through a very
biodiverse mangrove stand passing over a tidal stream which provides an
opportunity to see a variety of species close-up. Careful route planning not a single mangrove
tree had to be cut down for construction.
The community plans to repair a shelter over-top a pond at the end of the
walkway which will be used for group discussions. The construction of the 70 meter-path started
in early March 2016 and aims to be completed by May 2016. This Mangrove Nature
Trail will mainly serve to support mangrove environmental education of local
schools.
trail project is located at Ta Sanook Village, in Phang Nga Province. It is
being funded by DAIMLER AG as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project
which is managed by GNF. The short nature trail will go through a very
biodiverse mangrove stand passing over a tidal stream which provides an
opportunity to see a variety of species close-up. Careful route planning not a single mangrove
tree had to be cut down for construction.
The community plans to repair a shelter over-top a pond at the end of the
walkway which will be used for group discussions. The construction of the 70 meter-path started
in early March 2016 and aims to be completed by May 2016. This Mangrove Nature
Trail will mainly serve to support mangrove environmental education of local
schools.
 |
Construction of the nature trail in Ta-Sanook is advancing quickly. |
MAP is excited to be involved in these environmental
education projects as it is the first time for the organization to be involved
in developing mangrove interpretation nature trails. We hope they will be a
fantastic tool for education of local communities, students as well as visitors
and tourists.
education projects as it is the first time for the organization to be involved
in developing mangrove interpretation nature trails. We hope they will be a
fantastic tool for education of local communities, students as well as visitors
and tourists.