All about Mangroves
A learning centre in Prachuap Khiri Khan province is in the middle of a man-made forest
- Published: 2/05/2010 at 03:34 AM
- Online news: Travel Scoop
The Sirinat-Rajini Mangrove Ecosystem Learning Centre is a man-made forest with much to educate and entertain visitors of all ages. Under a royal initiative, it opened its doors to the public two years ago, and today it carries out research in all areas of the rehabilitation of mangrove ecosystems. The learning centre is in the Paknam Pran sub-district of Pran Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Once a barren shrimp farm, the task of preparing the land for the new mangrove forest started in 1998. After a site survey, dykes were built to channel the sea water. Then the land was ploughed and a number of plants were selected and planting began.
Now the sprawling swamp forest has grown into lush vegetation, full of richness and diversity. A variety of marine species, such as the mud crab, Scylla olivacea, have also made this forest their permanent home.
This 786 rai of land has become a vital source of food for a variety of aquatic animals, so keep your eyes peeled for these tiny creatures as they surface from their brackish water habitat.
This was once a fertile forest area that benefited nearby communities both en vironmentally and economically, explained our guide, as she took us through the exhibition hall building, built largely of timber. Through the use of various types of study media, visitors can trace the history of Pran Buri and its estuary.
Another section uses multimedia aids to teach people about the bird life in mangrove forests. Exhibits in the form of photos, and information on the background of how the centre came into existence, are also a highlight. Through various exhibits visitors are told how the building of roads, accommodation and shrimp farms in mangrove-designated areas adversely affected the local fishing industry, vegetation and the remaining forest area, highlighting the urgent need for reforestation and the return of the area to its natural state.
Paknam Pran communities have also played an active role in campaigning for the need to safeguard the dwindling num ber of mangrove forests in the province.
To prepare for a tour of the area on the centre's nature trail, it is a good idea to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to keep insects and other creepy-crawlies at bay.
We were joined on this expedition by a group of enthusiastic Korean visitors who jotted down the names of trees and snapped photos of the shrubs that thrive in the saline coastal habitat. Along the 1km nature trail, there are many bird-watching opportunities, with the most frequent visitors being the white collared kingfisher (mangrove kingfisher) and egrets. Signs are peppered along the trail, with drawings, photos and the history of the plants and aquatic life that reside there, educating visitors on the economical and ecological importance of maintaining mangrove forests.
During the tour, we also learned how mangrove plants play a crucial role against erosion and providing a habitat for marine animals. These plants also have a range of medical properties, most of which are in the process of being researched.
Apart from the nature trail, Sala Ta Nan is another spot worth investigating. This is where guests can feast their eyes on the beautiful lush landscape and communal life of Paknam Pran. The centre also offers a camping site and research area for activities pertaining to the biodiversity of plants and animals in natural mangrove forests.
It is difficult to fully envisage how this once barren shrimp farm was able to be transformed into the mangrove forest of the present day, where marine and plant life flourish. The Sirinat-Rajini centre offers everything one would want to know about the world of mangrove forests.
About the author
- Writer: Yvonne Bohwongprasert
- Position: Reporter
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