BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand
Message from Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment In recent decades, world economic development has focused on modernization theory in creating economic growth, with great emphasis on industrial communities and urban society. However, this has often involved neglect of human and environmental wellbeing, through environmental degradation, global warming, and natural resource usurpation. The global community must now reflect these negative effects and set a new development direction for building coexistent, beneficent, and sustainable relationships between humans and the environment. Thailand has focused on sustainability within its national development plans, guided by the Sufficiency Economy Theory by His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX). At present, Thailand’s development direction is consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), set for the year 2030. In line with the National Strategic Plan (2017-2036), Thailand is focusing to improve human life quality in the way that supports ecosystems by setting up frameworks for forest protection and restoration including watershed forest, community forest, and mangrove forest restoration. The strategy also includes the guidelines for managing forest areas and supporting natural resource and environmental management in ASEAN countries. Moreover, in the 12th BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 2
National Economic and Social Development Plan (2017- 2021), there is a stated goal to increase the national forest covering 40% of the country’s area. There have also been preliminary efforts to nominate new biosphere reserves. The current set of 4 biosphere reserves is a role model for ecosystem management, functioning as natural reserves as well as community areas for making coexistent and sustainable relationships between people and their environments. This book has been prepared by the MAB National Committee of Thailand to document the background of biosphere reserves, their importance, physical and biological information, site management details and overall operation, especially for the 4 biosphere reserves in Thailand. Besides, it is a record of the achievement of the MAB Program in Thailand and how it has promoted the forms of natural resource management that provide improved and sustainable relationships between humans and their environments. Dr.Wijarn Simachaya Permanent Secretary Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Chair of MAB National Committee of Thailand BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 3
Message from Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Thailand is a country with abundant natural resources and high diversity in species, genetic material and ecosystems. It also has varied cultures and traditions that depend on land, climate, geography, attitudes, beliefs and occupations. Thailand’s natural resources and biodiversity have long been utilized to support food security, lifestyle and economic development. However, recent population growth and economic development pressures have led to levels of natural resource usage that exceed recovery potential. These crises have caused ecosystem and natural resource deterioration and led to conflict over natural resource management and access. UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Program encourages the peaceful, supported, and sustainable coexistence between humans and their environment in biosphere reserved areas. The program has 3 main functions – conservation, development, and logistics. The use of natural and social scientific information is of particular importance in all these functions, allowing biosphere reserves to create a good balance between conservation and development by building awareness and understanding of which forms of natural resource use can lead to sustainable development. In the more than 40 years since Thailand joined the Man and Biosphere Program it has established BIOSPHERE RESERVES inThailand 4
4 of its own biosphere reserves, each with remarkable and unique ecosystems. The reserves are 1) Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, a tropical forest environment in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, 2) Mae Sa-Kog Ma Biosphere Reserve, a watershed management area in Chiang Mai Province, 3) Huay Tak Teak Biosphere Reserve in Lampang Province, a natural teak forest with high levels of genetic diversity within the teak species and 4) Ranong Biosphere Reserve, Ranong Province, a mangrove forest ecosystem. In the past, there has been limited recognition of biosphere reserves in Thailand. However, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, as secretary of the MAB National Committee of Thailand and the department responsible for managing Thailand’s biosphere reserves, has prepared this publication to raise the profile of the Man and Biosphere Program and increase public awareness about the biosphere reserves currently managed in Thailand. This will help bring improvement, benefit and sustainability to the relationships between humans and their environments and highlight the successes in biosphere reserve management in Thailand. Mr.Thanya Netithammakun Director General Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 5
Content Introduction.......................................................................8 Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program.........................................10 UNESCO Global Target..........................................................13 Biosphere reserve management zoning......................................15 Importance of Biosphere Reserves...........................................16 Biosphere reserves in Thailand................................................18 Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve...................................................20
Huay Tak Teak Biosphere Reserve............................................40 Mae Sa-Kog Ma Biosphere Reserve..........................................30 Ranong Biosphere Reserve....................................................48
The world’s natural resources and environments are under grave threat from human activities that have negative effects on biodiversity as well as human life. Around 40 per cent of world economic needs and 80 per cent of human needs derive from biodiversity. Given that the world population is estimated to rise to 9,300 million by 2052, it seems inevitable that there will be accelerating biodiversity impacts, unbalancing of ecosystems and accelerating climate change, all contributing to significant reductions in human quality of life. Therefore the most important missions currently are to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss and improve environmental conservation for better quality of life and environmental protection for the coming generations. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is responsible for supporting and driving development and conserIntroduction BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 8
vation projects from policy through to implementation. The people of the world can realize how important our natural environment is through projects like the Man and the Biosphere Program – MAB. The Man and Biosphere Program was founded in 1971 to develop a scientific and social basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments. The program established a World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR), inviting participating countries to nominate their own sites as biosphere reserves. Thailand joined the MAB program in 1976 and has since established 4 of its own biosphere reserves. Three of these are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and another is under the Ministry of Science and Technology. The Thailand MAB National Committee sets the policy framework for all biosphere reserves in Thailand, oversees the strategies and action plans for the reserves and conducts evaluation and assessment. This book gives some background to the biosphere reserve movement and its importance for conservation and human development. It also provides detail about the reserves currently operating in Thailand, so readers can better understand how communities can derive sustainable development from their natural environments. BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 9
Man and Biosphere In 1971, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched a new intergovernmental scientific program known as Man and Biosphere Program – MAB. The main objectives of MAB are to develop a framework within the natural and social sciences to allow sustainable use and conservation of natural resources and improve the relationship between humans and their environment. In 1976, UNESCO set up a World Network of Biosphere Reserves – WNBR. The accumulated experience and expertise from WNBR has been applied to develop sustainable (MAB) Program BIOSPHERE RESERVES inThailand 10
relationships between humans and their environment through participation processes, knowledge exchange, eradication of poverty, and improved livelihood strategies that retain local cultural values. As of 2017 there are 669 biosphere reserve sites in 120 countries. Every country uses the same management standards and processes to follow the 3 main functions – conservation, development and logistics. Sites are divided into a core area, buffer zone, and transition area, each with its own function in response to the main purpose of biosphere reserve management. BIOSPHERE RESERVES inThailand 11
The international MAB governing body, the International Co-ordinating Council (ICC) of the Man and the Biosphere Programme, sets the framework and direction of biosphere reserve operation including establishing and tracking performance. Each country has its own MAB National Committee to manage its local biosphere reserves under MAB Strategy 2015 – 2025. The vision of MAB is “A world where people are conscious of their common future and interaction with our planet, and act collectively and responsibly to build thriving societies in harmony within the biosphere” BIOSPHERE RESERVES inThailand 12
UNESCO oversees programs for Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage Sites and Geoparks across the globe, with broad objectives related to conservation of cultural values, natural biodiversity and geological diversity, whilst promoting sustainable economic development. Each program has specific objectives and legal frameworks. Objectives Biosphere Reserves are representative ecosystem areas that will support scientific education and help create harmony between conservation and human settlements. Geoparks contribute to global geodiversity protection through active engagement with local communities. World Heritage Sites aim to conserve natural and cultural locations of outstanding universal value. Legal Status The Man and Biosphere Program has no legal framework, but follows the Statutory Framework of World Network of Biosphere Reserves, as do Geoparks. World Heritage Sites are established under the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972). UNESCO Global Target BIOSPHERE RESERVES inThailand 13
Biosphere reserves are areas comprising terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems which serve as learning sites for sustainable development and promoting solutions that reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. Each biosphere reserve is intended to fulfil 3 complementary functions. To protect genetic resources, species, ecosystems, landscapes and cultural diversity. To promote sustainable development in economy, society, tradition, and culture, compatible with the first role. Conservation Function: Development Function: To support demonstration projects, environmental education and training, research and examination of conservation and sustainable development issues in local, national and international contexts, all in support of the first two roles. Logistics Function BIOSPHERE RESERVES Functions of Biosphere Reserves BIOSPHERE RESERVES inThailand 14
Biosphere reserves are managed by separating them into 3 zones. 1) Core area: Must be a legally protected conservation area. There should not be any activities in the core area except researching and monitoring. In certain cases, people may be allowed in for local cultural activity. 2) Buffer zone: Surrounds or adjoins the core areas of protection. The buffer zone can have some cooperative activities that will not harm the core area such as research, ecological practices, recreation and ecotourism. 3) Transition area: Allows for a variety of activities such as agriculture, habitation, and other livelihood activities. The transition area focuses on economic, social, traditional, and cultural development activities that promote ecosystem sustainability through natural resource utilization agreements. Core area Buffer zone Transition area: Biosphere reserve management zoning BIOSPHERE RESERVES inThailand 15
Biosphere reserves are not only special demonstration areas meeting objectives set by UNESCO but their implementations also create valuable outputs in other areas. 1) Biodiversity Conservation Core areas and buffer zones conserve biodiversity and also serve as reference areas for biodiversity and as sites for learning about protection from biodiversity loss. 2) Ecosystem Preservation Ecosystem services are sustained by efforts to reduce soil erosion, maintain soil fertility, control water flows, promote nutrient cycles, reduce water and air pollution and maintain animal habitats. 3) Education Centers for Natural Ecosystems and their Dynamics The three biosphere zones are natural, social, and cultural laboratories for researchers and students to gather information, follow the long-term dynamism of ecosystems and better understand environmental change at various levels. 4) Studying traditional area management The transition areas allow local populations to keep their traditional lifestyles and land use techniques. New developments in agricultural technology can be adopted to create sustainable agricultural systems to support local economic and social development. Biosphere reserves provide a pool of experience-based knowledge and experience which can be used to direct modern agricultural developments worldwide. Importance of Biosphere Reserves BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 16
5) Knowledge sharing about sustainable natural resource management Biosphere reserves are a source of knowledge and innovative ideas that can be shared and extended as examples of sustainable development in local, national and international settings. 6) Collaboration in solving conflict about natural resource usage Biosphere reserves by definition aim to create harmoniousness relationships between people and their environments, developing natural resource usage strategies that will not compromise the natural values. One way they do this is by reducing conflicts between state officials and locals. BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 17
in Thailand Biosphere reserves Thailand has embraced the Man and Biosphere Reserve concept and its associated benefits for natural resource and biodiversity management. Four sites in Thailand have been designated by UNESCO as biosphere reserves. 1) Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, Nakhon Ratchasima Province (designated 1976) This reserve is under management of the Sakaerat Environmental Research Station, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research. It is situated in Sakaerat sub-district, Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve is one of the outstanding sites in Thailand for multi-disciplinary environmental research 2) Mae Sa-Kog Ma Biosphere Reserve, Chiang Mai Province (designated 1977) This reserve includes sections of Doi Suthep – Pui National Park, Op Khan National Park and Khun Khan National Park in Chiang Mai Province. It is under management of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The reserve includes 2 key watershed areas – Mae Sa and Huay Kog Ma, both having high biodiversity value and serving important roles in watershed and hydrological education and research and watershed management modelling. BIOSPHERE RESERVES inThailand 18
3) Huay Tak Teak Biosphere Reserve, Lampang Province (designated 1977) This site is under Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation control. It covers areas of Tham Pha Tai National Park and Mae Ngao National Reserve Forest and surrounding areas in Ngao district, Lampang province. The reserve contains a natural teak forest and is recognized for its uniquely high levels of genetic diversity within the teak species. 4) Ranong Biosphere Reserve, Ranong Province (designated 1997) This site is under management of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. It is situated in Ngao sub-district, Mueang Ranong district, Ranong province. It is primarily a mangrove forest ecosystem that supports the coastal zone by providing storm protection and safe areas for marine life reproduction – they are nurseries for many fishes and marine invertebrates. The reserve provides opportunities for research and education in mangrove ecology and appropriate livelihood strategies for local communities nearby mangrove areas. BIOSPHERE RESERVES inThailand 19
Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve (SBR) is overseen by the Sakaerat Environmental Research Station (SERS), under Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Thailand. The area has long been a focus for environmental education and research and was originally designated as a Research Station in accordance with cabinet Biosphere Reserve Sakaerat BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 20
resolution dated September 19, 1967. Located in Phu Khao Luang National Reserve Forest, SBR is one of the outstanding sites in Thailand for multi-disciplinary environmental research. The area also provides ongoing educational opportunities for students and the public in the fields of forestry and environmental study. The core functions and zoning strategies for biosphere reserves were standardized in 1974 – an important milestone in the evolution of the MAB Program internationally. Around this time Thailand’s First Biosphere Reserve BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 21
SBR was recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s most promising MAB reserve sites. It was designated in 1976, and became the first biosphere reserve in Thailand. In 2000, the area of SBR was expanded to 173,168 ha., creating the current reserve consisting of communities, agricultural areas, and natural tropical forest ecosystems. There are more than 90,000 people from 11 subdistricts living in Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve. The original research station, SERS, now forms the core area of the biosphere. Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve is located in the middle of the Oriental zoogeographical region and connects 2 sub-zoogeographical zones, at the edge of the Korat Plateau, Northeastern Thailand, where it is biologically influenced by organism from the nearby Thai Central Plain. The biosphere thus holds high biodiversity for which it is recognized nationally and within the ASEAN region. There are at least 1,096 species of vascular plants and 490 species of vertebrate fauna, excluding fungi, insects and bacteria. BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 22
Following the standard management principles of biosphere reserves, SBR is separated into a core area, buffer zone and transition area, to serve different types and intensity of activities. Core areacovering 5,782 ha. contains the most pristine dry dipterocarp and dry evergreen forests. These areas are conserved and strictly reserved for education, research and monitoring activities only. The buffer zone, covering 9,237 ha, is made up of formerly human-dominated landscapes and village areas that have been relocated and reforested. This zone surrounds the core area, provide a buffer between the preserved core area and the human settlement in the periphery of the reserve. Ecosystem-friendly activities such as agroforestry and ecotourism are permitted. The transition area is dominated by agricultural activities, extensive farming and urban development. This area of 67,296 ha. focuses on harmonizing ecosystem conservation along with socio-economic development in a sustainable way, Management of Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve Core Area Buffer Zone Transition Area BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 23
Natural Resources in Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve The core areas of SBR is dominated by two major types of tropical forest: dry evergreen forest (DEF) and dry dipterocarp forest (DDF). This area provides the opportunity for studying species richness in tropical ecosystems. (1) Diversity of Flora: at least 1,096 species are found in the reserve, including 425 species in the dry evergreen forest, and 671 species in dry dipterocarp forest. Moreover, 49 species of ferns and 31 species of epiphytic plants are reported. (2) Diversity of Fauna: a total of 490 species of vertebrate consisting of 79 mammal species, 290 bird species, 92 reptile species and 29 amphibians species have been reported in SBR. BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 24
Protection “Sakaerat Model” is a forest protection model launched by SBR to boost efficiency of law enforcement and compliance with international obligations. The National Reserve Forest Act 1964, National Park Act 1961, and Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 1992 are the primary statues used for intensive forest protection at SBR. The average land area of responsibility per forest ranger is from 8-10 sq.km, the same level of protection used in National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. Public awareness Besides the importance given to law enforcement and international obligations, Biosphere Reserve, the MAB Program and World Heritage Sites serve important roles in creating public awareness and support for biosphere reserves. The biosphere reserve status is used to publicize the conservation concept and makes people in the nation proud of the high value conservation sites. Activities in Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 25
Community engagement People around the reserve have a unique culture, food, language and knowledge, most notably in herbal medicine and edible plants. SBR activities support local people to use and share their indigenous knowledge through local ecotourism and lectures on herbal and edible plants utilization. To support law enforcement and combat illegal hunting, gathering and poaching, Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve has established demonstration plantations of species of forest plants used most frequently by local people. Legal wildlife breeding is permitted with some species to support local people’s wellbeing and reduce forest resource dependency. BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 26
Research and Education SBR provides opportunities for environmental research and education in various forms, such as short term research, long term research, youth camp, study visits, trainings and workshops, to enlighten young people from near and far about the value of natural resources and biodiversity. Service and facilities are available year round for researchers and students from schools, colleges, universities and other research agencies. More than 15,000 students per year join camp courses in the reserve. University students, particularly those from Kasetsart University in Bangkok have been visiting the SBR area for over 80 years to join field studies in ecology and other forestry subjects. Moreover, SBR welcomes people who aim to visit the area for environmental education and ecotourism purposes. New species and endemic species in Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve At least eight species of vertebrates have been described as new species in the Sakaerat Forest. A new species of mammal is Ratanaworabhan’s Fruit Bat (Megaerops niphanae), while 6 new species of reptiles have been described: Miriam’s Skink (Brachymeles miriamae), Angled Forest Gecko (Cyrtodactylus angularis), Three-banded Parachute Gecko (Ptychozoon trinotaterra), Khorat, Blind Snake (Indotyphlops khoratensis), Ozaki’s Blind Snake (Indotyphlops ozakiae), and Koraten Writhing Skink (Lygosoma koratense). One new species of amphibian has also been described, Khorat Nuruan’s Kegkess Skink Ratanaworabhan’s fruit bat Davewakeum mariamae Megaerops niphanae BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 27
big-mouthed frog (Limnonectes megastomias). In addition, a new species of vascular plant has been discovered, Tinospora siamensis Forman, which is endemic to Thailand. Various insects have been initially found and named in the Sakaerat forest, including Gorochovitettix khaosung, Capnogryllacris sakaerat, and Hypseloecus phuvasae. In 2017, a new dragonfly species, Oligoaeschna sirindhornae, was found and named in honor of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand. New species of fungi and bacteria have also been reported, such as Lauriomyces sakaeratensis, Tanticharoenia sakaeratensi, Gluconobacter wancherniae, Microbispora siamensis, Bullera koratensis and Bullera lagerstroemiae. Various species endemic to Thailand are found inside the core area of the reserve, including five reptile species – Khorat Blind Snake (Indotyphlops khoratensis), Ozaki’s Blind Snake Korat Big-mouthed Frog Oligoaeschna sirindhornae Limnonnectes megastomias Angular-spotted Gecko Cyrtodactylus angularis (Indotyphlops ozakiae), Koraten Writhing Skink (Lygosoma koratense), Miriam’s Skink (Brachymeles miriamae), and Angulated Bowfingered Gecko (Cyrtodactylus angularis). The remaining 2 endemic species are Khorat bigmouthed frog (Limnonectes megastomias) and the vascular plant Tinospora siamensis Forman (Fam. Menispermaceae). BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 28
Address: Sakaerat Environmental Research Station, 1 Udomsap, Wang Nam Khiao, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand 30370. Location and address Location: Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve and its research station are located approximately 300 kilometres from Bangkok in Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. It is easily accessible by road, following Highway 304 from Chachoengsao to Nakhon Ratchasima Biosphere Reserve Manager: Director of Sakaerat Environmental Research Station BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 29
Mae Sa-Kog Ma Biosphere Reserve “Mae Sa-Kog Ma is the catchment area of the Mae Sa River, a tributary of the Ping River and part of the Chao Praya River system.” - A short description of the importance of this area to people of the north and centre of Thailand. Mae Sa-Kog Ma has long been a key area for education and research in the field of watershed management and hydrology – a natural classroom for government officers, international organizations and university students. Mae Sa-Kog Ma was the first pilot site for integrated watershed management in Thailand. Mae Sa Kog Ma was designated as BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 30
a biosphere reserve since March 1st, 1977. Mae Sa-Kog Ma Biosphere Reserve (MSKM) is the second biosphere reserve in Thailand. There are two catchments in MSKM; Mae Sa and Kog Ma. Thus the name of this biosphere reserve is the combination of two watershed names Integrated watershed management BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 31
Management of Mae Sa-Kog Ma Biosphere Reserve 3) Transition area of 15,731 ha. (27% of total reserve area), including human settlements which focus on mutual agreements and the development of socio-economics, culture and tradition that benefit the ecosystem and the biosphere reserve management in sustainable directions. The original area of MSKM was 42,064 ha., consisting wholly of forest lands managed by Royal Forest Department and Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University. As a result of consultation workshops with local people in 2013 and 2014, the management zones were manipulated and extended to 57,366 ha. The new zonation was reported in the 2015 Periodic Review as follows: 1) Core area of 11,957 ha. (21% of total reserve area), covering fertile watershed forest across Doi Supthep-Pui National Park, Op Khan National Park and Khun Khan National Park. The core area is managed and protected under the National Park Act 1961, Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 1992 and National Forest Reserve Act 1964. 2) Buffer zone of 29,678 ha. (52% of total reserve area), includes National Reserved Forest and sections of the national parks, to buffer between the central protected area and neighbouring communities. Core Areas Buffer Zones Transition Areas BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 32
Sapria himalayana Gardenia sootepensis Biodiversity More than 679 species of vascular plants are found in MSKM: 526 dicotyledons, 113 monocots, 34 ferns and 6 gymnosperms. Fauna comprises more than 439 species of wild animals including 31 mammal, 360 bird, 31 reptile and 18 amphibian species. A wide range of fungi is also found. There are 30-45 of the world’s species have their names appended with the word “Suthep” in reference to being first discovered at Doi Suthep. The mountain is recognised as Thailand’s prime location for collecting “type specimens” – 512 such species have been described, of which 135 were new species. Another activity is innovation transferring to the community for example Vanda Coerulea tissue culture in Ban Pong Khrai community, Pong Yaeng sub-district, Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai province. Mae Sa-Kog Ma site consist 61 villages, 39,941 people – 17,137 men and 22,804 women. The people are northern ethnic Thai and Hmong, Karen and Lisu. BIOSPHERE RESERVES inThailand 33
Cultural Diversity Mae Sa-Kog Ma Biosphere Reserve has a variety of ethnic groups including Northern Thai, Hmong, Karen and Lisu among its 39,000 population spread across 61 villages. Chiang Mai is a famous travel destination because of beautiful nature and diverse and colourful culture. The most two popular tourist destinations, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Ban Hmong are located in the area of MSKM. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of northern Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist temples. Ban Hmong is a popular tourist site where visitors can enjoy the traditional village atmosphere of Hmong hill tribe culture. Chiang Mai has a tourist-based economy, but the tourism industry is heavily reliant on local natural resources to produce the tourist experience. It is an ongoing challenge to harmonize between the pressure for economic growth and the sustainability of ecosystem services. BIOSPHERE RESERVES inThailand 34
Ecosystem services MSKM has been described as the lungs of Chiang Mai city, helping to clean pollutants from the air. The Mae Sa-Kog Ma watershed forests are also very important to people in the biosphere reserves and nearby because they store and release rainwater which runs down to the agricultural areas and populations in Mae Rim district and Chiang Mai City, where water consumption is more than 36 million cubic meters/year. The forests thus play a vital role in local agricultural production, which is estimated at greater than 440 million baht per year (approx. 14 million USD) as well as non-timber forest products from the reserve valued at 2.2 million baht per year (70,000 USD). BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 35
MSKM today obtains benefits from previous research and monitoring projects. From 1966 to 1986 the Kog Ma catchment was the site for a project on watershed management, under an agreement between Kasetsart University, Bangkok and the University of Hawaii. Hydro-meteorological data is still collected continuously even after that project has finished. Royal Forest Department, in cooperation with FAO and UNDP undertook research in the Mae Sa catchment under a pilot project named Mae Sa Integrated Watershed Management Project in 1973. Currently, Kog Ma still facilitates a number of researchers and students to collect hydro-meteorological data and study various aspects of watershed processes and management. Activities in Mae Sa–Kog Ma Biosphere Reserve BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 36
Highlighting the reserve’s reputation for typing specimens and identifying new species, a research team from Chiang Mai University described new species of Truffle, Tuber thailandicum and Tuber lannaense. The team also found White Truffle (Tuber magnatum), the first discovery in a tropical zone. Truffles are a much sought after and expensive ingredient in European dishes, which may point to future opportunity for trufficulture in Thailand. MSKM has established a management plan involving local consultation and participation. The Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) approach to incentivise appropriate resource use has been adopted with positive feedback. MSKM supports the Ban Pong Krai community to set up a Blue Vanda (Fah Mui orchid) tissue culture group with technical support from Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden. The tissue culture group is registered as a community enterprise and has been successfully culturing Fah Mui orchids and Nok Khum Phai (Anoectochilus spp.). Moreover, Ban Pong Krai community also regularly reintroduces Fah Mui orchids and Nok Khum Phai to their community forest in order to increase population in the wild. Fah Mui Orchid Group now has potential to exchange knowledge with Thai and international visitors who are interested in tissue culture techniques. BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 37
Two experimental system projects of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), are ongoing in MSKM: 1) Tipco Foods Public Company Limited operator of AURA mineral drinking water plant, gains great benefit from the ecosystem services at MSKM and is returning some of its profits to Pong Krai village to support the reforestation of upstream forests. The two parties have agreed to monitor growth rates of forest plantations together as a goal of the project in accordance with PES principles. 2) The Provincial Waterworks Authority, Mae Rim branch, together with stakeholders in the area offer funds to the Ban Mae Nai Pattana community for constructing check dams. The check dams promote reforestation since they delay streamflow and increase soil and air humidity in the vicinity of streams. The parties are also in collaboration to plant trees and monitor functionality of the check dams as well as tree growth rates. BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 38
Location and Address Location: Mae Sa-Kog Ma Biosphere Reserve spans across Mueang, Mae Rim, Hang Dong and Sa Moeng districts in Chiang Mai Province. You can contact the Mae Sa-Kog Ma Biosphere Reserve Office in Mueang Chiang Mai to request a visit and obtain further information about the biosphere reserve. Biosphere Reserve Manager: Ms. Wimonmart Nuipakdee Address: Protected Area Regional Office 16 (Chiang Mai), 153 Charoen Prathet Road, Chang Klan, Mueang, Chiang Mai Province, 50100 Thailand. BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 39
Huay Tak Teak Biosphere Reserve The mixed deciduous forest in Ngao District, Lampang Province is considered as holding the highest quality genetic source of teak trees in Thailand, historically a significant commercial timber. The Ngao demonstration forest was established in 1964 to research and practise intensive management of teak plantations under cooperation of Royal Forest Department, Forest Industry Organization, and Kasetsart University. BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 40
The reserve contains spectacular multi-million year old limestone mountains, caves and emerald pools in Tham Pha Thai National Park, which is in the final step to be officially established as a national park under National Park Act 1961. Huay Tak Teak Biosphere Reserve also is the location of pre-historic archaeological sites. Examples of haematite powder painting BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 41
are found among the limestone landscape at Pra Tu Pha and Ban Huai Hok. From the most accessible point at Pra Tu Pha, visitors can see seven groups of paintings along the rock face, depicting lifestyles and rituals of people who lived from 2,500 to 3,000 years ago. Designated in 1977, Huay Tak Teak Biosphere Reserve (HTT) is operating both scientific and socio-economic projects. BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 42
Initially encompassing an area of approximately 4,900 ha. of pure stand teak plantations, Huay Tak Teak Biosphere Reserve was greatly extended in 2001 to its present size, 29,440 ha. The management zones have been drawn up in accordance with the MAB guidelines. Around 9.1% (2,680 ha.) of the total area is Core Area, primarily from the Phi Pan Nam Mountain Range. This area is suitable for monitoring the changing parameters of the ecosystem on the mountain range. The largest mammal in this area is the Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus).The Buffer Zone makes up 68.1% (20,060 ha.) of the total reserve area and includes large sections of degraded forest. The government has launched forest plantation program on the deforested lands of the buffer zone. Some part of this zone is designated to community forestry for household use of non-timber products such as mushrooms, bamboo shoots, medicinal herbs and red ant larvae. Allowing such activity in the buffer zone minimize direct use of natural resources in the core protected area. More intensive use is permitted in the Transition Area, which covers approximately 6,700 ha. or 22.8% of total reserve area. The transition zones are facing new challenges from an expanding agro-industry business and route widening. Building resilience and adaptive capacity of people in sustainable social and ecosystem is a priority for HTT management. Management of Huay Tak Teak Biosphere Reserve Core Area Buffer Zone Transition Areas BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 43
Natural Resources of Huay Tak Teak Biosphere Reserve Six types of natural forest ecosystem exist in the reserve – pine forest, hill evergreen forest, dry evergreen forest, moist evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest and dry dipterocarp forest. The reserve represents the intact pristine forests of the Phi Phan Nam Mountain Range. Significant plant species in HTT include teak (Tectona grandis), burma padauk (Pterocarpus macrocarpus), burma ironwood (Xylia xylocarpa), indian mahogany (Chukrasia tabularis), wild almond (Irvingia malayana), taengwood (Shorea roxburghii), dark red meranti (Shorea siamensis) and Dipterocarpus obtusifolius. BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 44
Wild animals found in the area include barking deer, wild boar, monkey, palm civet, wild rabbit, hawk, common emerald dove, bulbul, green pigeon, hoopoe, dove, owl, drongo, coucal, Megalaimidae, red junglefowl, pangolin, bengal monitor, butterfly lizards, ptyas, reticulated python, cobras, common green frog, banded bullfrog, java barb, snakehead murrel, channa limbata, Bagridae, tire track eel, butterfly, longhorn stem borer, indian moon moth, chital, and click beetles. Cultural Diversity Eight groups of Thai and non-Thai speaking people reside in the reserve including Akha, Lahu, Lisu, Yao, Hmong, Khmu, Northern Thai and Central Thai. Fourteen villages are located inside the transition areas, with a total population of approximately 8,000. The six ethnic hill tribes have their own distinctive cultures and lifestyles passed down from generation to generation. Their indigenous knowledge of living in harmony with nature is vital not only to the HTT management but to environmentalists to adopt schemes of sustainable utilization of biodiversity. BIOSPHERE RESERVES inThailand 45
Activities in Huay Tak Teak Biosphere Reserve The core area and buffer zone are protected by National Park Act 1961, Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 1992 and National Forest Reserve Act 1964. Both areas are managed by Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and Royal Forest Department. There are two important committees engaged with HTT management. The first is the Protected Area Committee (PAC) associated with Tham Pha Thai National Park. The PAC consists of officials from different agencies, academy staff, administrative personnel, NGOs, local people and religious personnel who meet regularly and input into the park planning process. The second committee is the Huay Tak Teak Biosphere Reserve subcommittee, formed under the MAB National Committee of Thailand. The subcommittee consists of 25 members from government, NGOs, and academic institutions. Both committees are the primary communication channels and platforms for local community and NGO participation in HTT management, collaboration in activities and sharing of advice. Bamboo is a natural material widely used in local people’s daily life however commercial demand is growing steadily. Huay Tak Teak BIOSPHERE RESERVES inThailand 46
Location: Huay Tak Teak Biosphere Reserve is located in Ngao District, Lampang Province. Access is off Phaholyothin Road between kilometre markers 668 and 669. Biosphere Reserve Manager: Mr. Isoon Rinkome Address: Protected Area Regional Office 13 (Lampang branch), 1 Pa Mai Khet Road, Wiang Nuea, Mueang, Lampang Province, Thailand 52000. Biosphere Reserve Office hosts meetings between HTT management and local people to share experiences related to bamboo utilisation and conservation. HTT Office also runs workshops to boosting local people’s capacity to plant and grow bamboo on their own land and produce bamboo product. To support gender equality and human well-being, the government has set targets to increase women’s role in the hill tribe communities by supporting handicraft activity after harvest season. There are two natural resource learning centres in the reserve – Huay Tak Aboretum, Lampang Insect Home (Forest Entomology Research Centre 1, Lampang) and the Teak Improvement Centre. These are important partners for the reserve, serving as sources of knowledge about natural resources and biodiversity conservation for people, especially students but also taking a broader role to communicate the existence and meaning of Huay Tak Teak Biosphere Reserve to the general public. Location and Address BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 47
Ranong Biosphere Reserve Ranong Biosphere Reserve (RBR) incorporates a range of diversified natural and disturbed habitats including mangrove forests, tropical rain forest, open sea, seagrass beds and urban and agricultural land. However, mangroves are the most significant parts and are strongly represented in this biosphere reserve. Ranong Biosphere Reserve was designated in 1997 under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program. It is the fourth biosphere reserve designated in Thailand. Ranong province has the lowest population in Thailand, but the highest annual rainfall with an average of 4,557 mm. during the last decade. The population in Ranong is approximately 183,000. There are 20,000 people living inside the Ranong Biosphere Reserve. The main industries of the province are fisheries, and the production of rubber, palm, cashew nut and fruits. BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 48