Nationwide Drive to Restore Mangrove Forests on World Mangrove Day

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on, has called on all citizens to unite in a collective effort to restore the country’s mangrove forests as part of the “Thailand Mangrove Alliance” campaign. The announcement coincides with the World Mangrove Day on 26 July.

Speaking on 25 July, Dr. Chalermchai emphasised the importance of inclusive participation in managing mangrove ecosystems. He said that the Ministry has been actively promoting mangrove restoration through community-led initiatives spearheaded by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) and various network partners. These efforts, he noted, have resulted in a measurable increase in mangrove forest coverage across the country.

“I am proud to say that this success is the result of cooperation among citizens and all sectors who have worked tirelessly to conserve and rehabilitate our mangrove forests. In many areas, the forests have returned to a healthy, vibrant state,” he said.

He also highlighted the recent advancement of a ministerial regulation (Edition 4, B.E. 2567) that exempts mangrove areas from land and building taxes. The rationale behind this policy is that mangroves are vital to both environmental balance and community resilience, serving as carbon sinks, nurseries for marine life, sources of food and income, natural coastal barriers, and even eco-tourism attractions.

Dr. Chalermchai urged everyone to become part of this transformative movement: “Let us preserve our mangroves as a world heritage, a foundation for sustainability, and a secure future for the next generation.”

Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the DMCR, echoed the Minister’s sentiments and explained the formation of the “Thailand Mangrove Alliance,” a collaborative network committed to conservation and community engagement. The Alliance aims to foster national and international recognition for Thailand’s efforts through shared research, community involvement, and sustainable product development linked to mangrove ecosystems.

A key objective of the initiative is to accelerate restoration and conservation efforts, targeting 500,000 rai of mangrove forest by 2031, equivalent to 30% of the country’s remaining mangrove forest area. The long-term goal is to restore 100% of Thailand’s mangrove forests by 2050.

The campaign embraces a “Beyond Carbon Credit” philosophy, focusing on knowledge sharing, shared values, and creating platforms that demonstrate the tangible benefits of mangrove conservation.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-26