RBR is located in the Andaman coastal area of Mueang Ranong district, Ranong province. This site is one of the most abundant mangrove forests in Thailand. The reserve area of 30,309 ha. includes marine, coastal and terrestrial areas. The northern boundary connects with Ranong canal and Ranong estuary in Mueang Ranong district and the southern boundary is also close to a canal. The mountainous Ngao Waterfall National Park forms the eastern boundary of the reserve, while the Andaman Sea lies to the west. Representative of mangrove ecosystems BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 49
RBR is managed using a zoning system in accordance with MAB guidelines. The Core Area includes the most pristine areas of mangroves, bounded by the sea and mangrove canals. This area is suitable for supporting aquatic nurseries and protecting the coastline from erosion. There are some specific locations where tropical rainforest is surrounded by mangrove forest, forming unique ecosystems. Only research and monitoring activities are permitted in the 4,574 ha. of core zone, which is strictly protected. The Buffer Zone is made up of former concession forest, some shrimp farms and former mining areas. This area is managed to provide a buffer between the core and surrounding areas. Activities such as fishing, mangrove rehabilitation and ecotourism are permitted. This zone has a total area of 19,400 ha. (including 13,007.52 ha. of marine area). The Transition Area comprises areas converted for tin mining, agriculture, shrimp farming and urban development. It forms the periphery of the reserve, surrounding the core and buffer zone. This area covers 6,335 ha. and is managed to reduce the impact of activities on the core area and buffer zone in the reserve. Ranong Biosphere Reserve Management Core Areas Buffer Zones Transition Areas BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 50
The reserve constitutes a large proportion of the mangrove forests of Ranong Province. These forests grow in the soft muddy soils of the Kra Buri River delta at the Thailand-Myanmar border. Collectively, the mangrove forests in Ranong province form one of the largest mangrove areas in all Thailand. The mangrove forests in Ranong Biosphere Reserve are mostly secondary forest, having been previously harvested for the production of charcoal, formerly a major industry in the area. The virgin old-growth forests that remain are now reserved for research and monitoring purposes. 200-year-old Rhizophora apiculata can be found in the reserve. Some of mangrove trees reach up to 35 m in height and over 2 m. in circumference at breast height. The reserve contains more than 50 species of mangrove trees, shrubs and vines, the most common including Avicennia alba, Bruguira cylindrica, B. parviflorea, Ceriops tagal, Rhizophora apiculata, R. mucronata, Sonneratia alba and Xylocarpus granatum. Natural Resources in Ranong Biosphere Reserve A further fascinating feature of Ranong Biosphere Reserve is the tropical rain forest. These forests are scattered throughout the reserve on islands rising high above the mangrove forests and further inland interspersed by agricultural and urban land. The main tree species found in the tropical rain forest are Dipterocarpus spp., BIOSPHERE RESERVES inThailand 51
Panda crab Phricotelphusa sirindhorn Anisoptera spp., Shorea siamensis, Hopea ferrea, H. odorata and Dillenia spp. Seagrass beds are found in isolated patches throughout the reserve. These beds are populated with grasses such as Enhalus acoroides, Cymodacea serrulata, Halophila ovalis and Halodule uninervis. Like mangrove forests, the seagrass beds provide food and shelter to juvenile fish, prawns and other small animals. They also hold the muddy soils together, protecting the seashore against erosion and providing a source of food for the endangered dugong and various types of sea turtles. The reserve is home to a diverse wildlife population. Mammals frequently seen include otters, bats, crab eating macaques, tree squirrels, and civets. Endangered dolphins have been sighted in the area. Reptiles found in the reserve include turtles, monitor lizards and many species of land and sea snakes. The diverse range of habitats in the reserve attracts a multitude of bird species, many species migrating here from other parts BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 52
of Thailand and from overseas to breed and raise their young. Most commonly sighted species are king fishers, hawks, bee-eaters, egrets, herons, kites and ducks. Activities in Ranong Biosphere Reserve Mangrove forests in RBR have long been protected, especially in the core area (Hat Sai Khao beach) where activities are strictly limited to research since biosphere reserve designation. While the mangroves in buffer area, especially in forest degradation, charcoal industry, and old tin mine area have been reforested, conserved and limited to ecosystem friendly uses only. Reforestation was done in collaboration between government, private sector and communities, with a lead role taken by the Mangrove Forest Development Station and Research Center. With the complicated root system, mangrove forest provides the best shelter for marine life larvae, and has a key role in coastal life food chain. The mangrove forest is important for the Ranong fishing industry which creates employment, supplies food and brings economic benefits to the people. The forest is a source of wood for BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 53
daily use such as construction, crafting fishing instruments and as a cooking fuel. The mangroves also serve to purify water along the coast by catching sediments and nutrients from the river water. They also protect the coast from erosion, particularly during the monsoon season. The main human activities are shrimp farming, soft shell crab farming and cage culture. The most significant activity is shrimp farming which takes place in transition area. This activity has been promoted and managed by the Department of Fisheries. Moreover, people who live in the mangrove area can gain income by catching crabs, fish and shrimp. The production yield of mud crab in the reserve is approximately 300 tons per year. Some villages are also involved in shrimp paste production, especially on Kho Lao (Lao Island). Besides aquaculture the main forms of agriculture are rubber, palm tree, and fruit plantations. BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 54
Location and Address Location: Mueang Ranong district, Ranong province. 650 km. from Bangkok and 300 km. north of Phuket. Biosphere Reserve Manager: Mr. Wichan Meephol, Address: Mangrove Forest Research and Technology Transfer Center 3 (Ranong), 185, Moo 4, Ngao sub-district, Mueang Ranong district, Ranong Province, Thailand 85000 Ranong Mangrove Forest Research Center plays an important role in managing Ranong Biosphere Reserve. Over the years, the center has hosted many international research projects which have greatly increased our knowledge of the mangrove ecosystem and its value. At present, the center is active in educating the local community about the environment and the value of mangrove forests, hosting many school and community groups. More than 10,000 people visit the center every year. Facilities include an information center and boardwalk with interpretative signage focusing on the mangrove environment and biosphere reserve principles. BIOSPHERE RESERVES in Thailand 55
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