Over 9.5 Million Suffer As Drought Spreads

[roiet]

HI

Have ben reading the threads for a few months now and your last post struck a cord with me, as I am curently writing a bok on desertification, its causes and how this cataclysmic problem can begin to be addressed.

I made a prediction that following the tsunami coastal destruction, there would be an initial increase in rainfall, followed by an unpresedented drought. I hope to god I have got this wrong.

The problem of removal of trees and vegetation, exposing huge sandy coastal areas to the suns energy, radiates thermals into the sky. On the face of it, one would not believe that the rising thermals from the hot dry sandy beaches could prevent rains from falling. However, it is becoming more evident that moisture arising from the oceans is prevented from crossing on to the lands by these thermal barriers. Indeed, this is how the Sahara desert has become so prolific in spreading to the size of 2x australia, and is now moving rapidly up through Spain.

The wake up call that Thailand is about to experience over the coming years may cause people to sit up and listen. It may even show the absolute futility in monoculture cash-crops.

“A nation that destroys it’s soil, destroys itself."

-- President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Andrew

WAKE UP CALL!

Not a good report I am afraid but what can you expect from what is happening in the last 30 years here in Thailand?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dear Mr. Fletcher

It happened, no more forest, monoculture, the water level is lowering more every season, the farmers still burn the rice fields, Isaan could be a desert in 30 years.

DO YOU HAVE PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR THAILAND.

I have noticed there is a lot of government money spent for irrigation projects. In parts of Isaan water is supplied to the farmers trough these projects. Lack of finances for running respective water pumps is the problem, could be a challenge, maybe you know where to raise funds.

Planting trees over large areas would be another challenge , wouldnt it. Financing this is of course the real challenge, how about getting funds allocated trough your resources or connections.

Stop burning rice fields is another issue. How about printing leaflets in Thai about the positive sides of not burning the rice fields. Distribution of leaflets twice a year could maybe be a practical idea.

How about getting around the chemical companies and teaching diversified farming on site . On site education in the small villages could be an idea.

Mr. Fletcher

I know you are the specialist, you have the respective connections and you are prepared to meet some challenges to help the the Thai farmers.

Roiet from Roi-et

[bannork]

HI

Have ben reading the threads for a few months now and your last post struck a cord with me, as I am curently writing a bok on desertification, its causes and how this cataclysmic problem can begin to be addressed.

I made a prediction that following the tsunami coastal destruction, there would be an initial increase in rainfall, followed by an unpresedented drought. I hope to god I have got this wrong.

The problem of removal of trees and vegetation, exposing huge sandy coastal areas to the suns energy, radiates thermals into the sky. On the face of it, one would not believe that the rising thermals from the hot dry sandy beaches could prevent rains from falling. However, it is becoming more evident that moisture arising from the oceans is prevented from crossing on to the lands by these thermal barriers. Indeed, this is how the Sahara desert has become so prolific in spreading to the size of 2x australia, and is now moving rapidly up through Spain.

The wake up call that Thailand is about to experience over the coming years may cause people to sit up and listen. It may even show the absolute futility in monoculture cash-crops.

“A nation that destroys it’s soil, destroys itself."

-- President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Andrew

WAKE UP CALL!

Not a good report I am afraid but what can you expect from what is happening in the last 30 years here in Thailand?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dear Mr. Fletcher

It happened, no more forest, monoculture, the water level is lowering more every season, the farmers still burn the rice fields, Isaan could be a desert in 30 years.

DO YOU HAVE PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR THAILAND.

I have noticed there is a lot of government money spent for irrigation projects. In parts of Isaan water is supplied to the farmers trough these projects. Lack of finances for running respective water pumps is the problem, could be a challenge, maybe you know where to raise funds.

Planting trees over large areas would be another challenge , wouldnt it. Financing this is of course the real challenge, how about getting funds allocated trough your resources or connections.

Stop burning rice fields is another issue. How about printing leaflets in Thai about the positive sides of not burning the rice fields. Distribution of leaflets twice a year could maybe be a practical idea.

How about getting around the chemical companies and teaching diversified farming on site . On site education in the small villages could be an idea.

Mr. Fletcher

I know you are the specialist, you have the respective connections and you are prepared to meet some challenges to help the the Thai farmers.

Roiet from Roi-et

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Every year all the rice fields in our area are burnt, with the farmers having no choice because the fields are connected. This year 2 weeks ago someone torched the fields in Nong Hai, 4 kilometres from us in Bor Pan, Bandung district, Udon Thani . With the prevailing strong winds the whole area went up in flames, an area of 4 by 2 kilometres; luckily we saved our hay stacks. My wife said it could have been a lazy farmer wanting a quick way to get rid of the rice stubble, teenagers having fun or someone jealous of those with cattle enjoying depriving them of pasture. Whatever, everyone knows it's illegal to burn the fields but in the tinderbox situation of the dry season they're powerless to stop it.

bannork.

[Gary A]

I don't know what kind of fish it was but my girlfriend called it pla esoop. Said it was a yellow color. She says "Can eat but not so delicious".

On the other  The other day they caught one fish that weighed 11 kilograms. How long do you suppose it took for that fish to grow that large? The size of that fish and how long it took to get that big is how long it has been since that particular pond has dried up. Scary indeed. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

24 lbs! What was it Gary, a type of catfish?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[bina]

hi,

do people here not take the time to read all posts?

How about getting around the chemical companies and teaching diversified farming on site . On site education in the small villages could be an idea.

roiet:

please go back and read my posts: i am not in thailand but am a farmer (i do goats, my exhusband was a field manager/worker since he was 13 for cotton, winter wheat(no irrigiation needed), watermelons, veggies, etc )

i have to deal with old geezers doing things by old time methods in goat husbandry.... flyers are not IT... the farmers, even the ones that have the patience and time to read, will say bah humbug and burn the flyer w/all the other plastic... i said grassroots level, getting your hands and feet dirty, may be the only way... on tlhe other hand, all the resorts types that maintain swimming pools, lawns, etc etc still waste water.....

old farmers are the same world around.... a gov't man can come in a show a new method for vaccinating or worming, or spraying... the farmer says: i've been doing xxx for 50 yrs no problem...the one time i do like the gov't man says, everything died (no connection that maybe the animal was sick to begin with, or the plant had a fungus already, but to the farmer, the new method sucks cause everything died after he applied the new method,)-- probably incorrectly-- like, if a little helps, then a lot helps more.......i see this with the thai workers that i work with, at the zoo, in the orchards, on their own gardens, and in thailand....

how many young guys do you all know that are studying agric. and water management in udon thani univ?? i met one who worked here, he took ideas from here to implement, but he also owns lots of rai of rubber trees which of course are bad news trees... he just wants money of course, doesnt give a twig about environment , water, etc.... he left israel w/ buckets of hormones and fertilizers and whatnot, and also apple grafts... dont know if he made it through customs actually

BTW to work on any projects as a volunteer for environmental stuff, you have to be a rich foreigner to pay to volunteer (ex: vet projects w/elephants and other wildlife, etc)

probably most expats are not farmers so they cant just come along to the pu yai baan and tell him how the fields should be run...

and thailand doesnt have, or doesnt want to give money to environmental issue oriented things as a priority, even the educational system is not much as every one discusses here, so water is an issue?? just band aid politics i.e. emergency funding, which will last this year but wont help for next year, not to mention avian flue which seems to be mismanaged also.......

[Pie Boy]

Interesting post bina, my wifes family have a number of farms in Isaan and we spoke in depth last year about the drought issue, the importance of water conservation and demand management but it's bloody difficult to change the culture of operation.I know nothing of farming but I know about the environmental issues.So why should they listen to some holidaying Jonny there for a month?

I'm due back soon so I will no doubt spend some time at the families crops etc. but my feeling is that is the government who need to support this issue and they need to act now.

I wonder how much water is wasted during Songkran? Last year I saw several instances of a water pump linked to the local reservoir being pumped up to the roadside water supply to aid the water fights etc.

[arthsch]

I remember they were predicting this as long ago as the premature end of the rainy season late last year... don't suppose that really helped anyone prepare anything, though.  If this is going to affect us until May, it could get really serious.  Anybody think unit prices for water will go up as a result?

"Steven"

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

of course, they are burning the paddy-fields. but what should they do? if the straw is in the earth, they can't plant the new rice plant.

[ayakiawe]

Hi friends this was PM to me a bit earlier today I think.

See below.

I have to say, it made my day and I wanted to share it.

There is hope but the &lt;deleted&gt; that are sitting around living on their cheap Thai baht just make me sick I must say.

They live in Thailand giving nothing back and taking so much.

Cheap housing, land, cheap woman, cheap food, etc, etc.....

It’s not cheap! This is very precious so start treating it like that!

This man is making a difference, read his pm below!

Get on the bus before it’s too late and your cheap baht won’t buy you Jack's sh.t

"Hi I have now for more than 5 years read this column very careful and in many occations I agree what has been said.

I am one of those stupid farangs here in NE Thailand (Udon province) who has paid 15 bath for 3 bags of cow manuvre twice a week during the past 6 years, and has been digging this down, my land is also old rice farming land and as all other farm land it has no humus in the soil. Now after 5 year can I see the result, my banana, lichie, coconuts and all other tres are well over 4m in heigt and all the fruits are bigger than all other in this area, my vegitables is bigger and has a good taste, and I have plenty of it. I have NEVER usen any chemicals on my 5 rai land but only animal fertilizers. It pays off, all my neighbours are now asking me for advise and those listening can see the outcome of their hard work now. Khon Thai knows what to do, (when someone tells'em) but it is too easy to use chemicals. For Goods sake, try to look at it from the opposite site, the Thai site. I am very much respected here because I talk the language and i show prober respect to my fellows khon Thai, and I go to the Wat and talk with the monks, too. If farangs just would be more respectful to the country and the people they visit as GUESTS anything would go much smoother. I have also teached'em not to burn the vaste and special plactic, because it creates dioxines, we are collecting bottles and beer cans as well. My village is quite clean compared to other small communities in this size (aprox. 200 people), and it does'nt smell bad in the evenings. It's a hard work but it pays off when you really can se it makes a difference. "

This is a real man and he is walking his talk what do you have to say for yourself?

[The_Eye_Of_Sauron]

Now after 5 year can I see the result, my banana, lichie, coconuts and all other tres are well over 4m in heigt and all the fruits are bigger than all other in this area, my vegitables is bigger and has a good taste, and I have plenty of it

This land sounds nice. Some Chao Phor should steal it from him. He says he is digging in the cow manure - that sounds like 'work' - I expect he doesn't have a current Work Permit.

The local Kamnan should grab this land quick-quick.

[bina]

dont know ayakiawe,

what does it say???

one person making difference.

and what are u doing ??? farming??

i get up at three in the morning to treat sick animals rain or shine; slog through mud; breathe in desert dust in the 40+ heat and wind in summer....

doesnt matter what country i'm in, thats the way i am....

u care, but u are a bit arrogant too.... i cant say to people here on the forum, what are u doing on your land? i'm not there. i can only discuss and give some ideas, and from my side try to educate a bit the guys here so maybe a tiny bit of what i babble about with them goes back with them when they return home... i dont presume to tell anyone else what to do in his house...

but htere's a jewish proverb: u save one person u saved a world (meaning a man's wealth of sperm, literally ) so one guy goes back and makes a small change, etc.... a ripple causes more ripples to spread...

ask random chance about his cows and recycling, etc...

i brought the subject up just now with my worker whose wife and house is from buriram... one ong of water 500 baht he says, we talked about saving water etc... he says, lots of water in thailand just dont know how to bring it to farmers... will have to take him to kibbutz na'an and show him irrigation systems (drip); and our sewege plant/recycling for irrigation.. so far, it took two years but i convinced him that a computer was a better investment for his daughter in school than a video whatever and that marriage at 15 was too early so he set up a bank account for her for university (at 2nd grade she's best student in school for what its worth).... TWO YEARS to reach a conclusion that i harp about everyday

why dont u join the buffalo breeding program that the King started a long time ago? also beneficial to the thai poeple; etc.....

i dont just put words on paper; i act. what do you do????

[ayakiawe]

Sauron maybe you are the kind of white plastic trash that is helping to ruin Thailand and the Planet?

Smoke more and drink a bit more too quickly so we can be done with you by your own free will please!

Or maybe it is possible to un-thai (I mean un-tie) your mind from the trash pit its in?

Hey then you could help plant the trees and other good works to turn this mess around!

Possible?

Hey I am doing a lot to turn this around, take my word for it.

All my families wastes (all of it) are recyled back to the Earth and into our gardens in a way that makes the soil sweet and rich. And very Fertile.

My wife is know for having the best papaya fruit in the area!

I do this where ever I go. Its part of who I am and I feel what the Earth needs around me.

I developed this awarness as a child and have carried this with me everywhere I go.

We too set examples and some even learn and follow now too around our place.

I hope everyone can start doing what they can to help the nature and soils out which will help us all out in the end!

Love the Earth, its the only one we have and its our 1st Mother to care for!

Edited March 12, 2005 by ayakiawe

[The_Eye_Of_Sauron]

I've got about 20 orange tree seedlings, but they get to about 10 centimetres high - then just stop growing, even though I water them every single day.

I planted another two dozen seeds yesterday.

l my families wastes (all of it) are recycled back to the Earth

...my seedlings are in a window box, so I don't think this will work, its too dangerous as i'm on the 34th floor and might fall out backwards.

Edited March 12, 2005 by The_Eye_Of_Sauron

[bannork]

I remember they were predicting this as long ago as the premature end of the rainy season late last year... don't suppose that really helped anyone prepare anything, though.  If this is going to affect us until May, it could get really serious.  Anybody think unit prices for water will go up as a result?

"Steven"

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

of course, they are burning the paddy-fields. but what should they do? if the straw is in the earth, they can't plant the new rice plant.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Burning gets rid of the stubble but the rice plant's roots are still (stubbornly) in the earth afterwards; the burning just makes ploughing a bit easier, getting rid of the stalks above the soil.

bannork.

[plachon]

I've got about 20 orange tree seedlings, but they get to about 10 centimetres high - then just stop growing, even though I water them every single day.

I planted another two dozen seeds yesterday.

l my families wastes (all of it) are recycled back to the Earth

...my seedlings are in a window box, so I don't think this will work, its too dangerous as i'm on the 34th floor and might fall out backwards.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Great answer Eye - loved it! Made me think about all those slippery balcony syndrome victims we read about on TV daily - maybe that's what's behind it - they were just trying to follow Aya's advice and put some goodness back in the window boxes. Knew there had to be a logical explanation for it!

Hey, Aya, you're a good guy and your heart and intentions are in the right place - but Bina's right about the arrogance bit. Reading your post is a bit like reading Chicken Licken and the sky's falling down around you and you can't understand why Goosie Lucy and Henny Penny aren't scampering after you to the Palace. Yes, it's a screwed up place out there beyond your manor guv., but rubbing people's noses in the manure and expecting them to lap it up is not the way to go about it. Bina talks a whole load a sense and knows it's got to be a One Straw Revolution. One seedling, one tree, one rai and one person at a time. And even then it's a bloody great headache, especially in a place like Thailand where the only answers worth listening to, apparently come out of the picture radio, and every channel belongs to the head honcho, who knows his honey isn't spread if everyone goes back to the land and looks after it, like you and HM The King are suggesting. So, for my two shekels worth: the answers still lie in doing one's own thing and hoping a bit of it rubs off on those around you, rather than shouting insults at the poor old geezer on Floor 35 who just wants to escape in ThaiVisa from 'er indoors nagging for a few hours with a Chang in hand and couldn't give a monkey's if the old lady in Buriram is walking two clicks for her water, so long as the pool is kept topped up. Get it Aya?

There that's my rant for the night!

PS Bina, where's Random these days? Perhaps manning the emergency pumps or digging wells. It's flippin' dry out there and Taxin is still talking about sending up planes at gawd knows how much cost to seed clouds. He said you can even make rain if there are no clouds in the sky on his radio show this morning, so it must be true!

[Andrew K Fletcher]

“A nation that destroys it’s soil, destroys itself."

-- President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Yes I do have practical solutions to desertification, but far from throwing huge amounts of money at the problems. This will never address the issues and will usually serve to line the pockets of a few thieves, while the people that the money is meant for will never realise it.

Where have all the £billions gone that were promised for the tsunami regeneration? The media have predictably found some thing else to write about, as they remove the spotlights from this vast amount of donated money, we can expect to see more and more unwelcome hands dipping into the honey pot.

I can only offer practical strategies to address the lack of rainfall and to prevent the onset and spread of desertification.

The main problem is to quickly replace and increase the lost tree cover around the coastal areas. Irrigation alone is not the answer, as Stalinization of irrigated arid land is inevitability, without the additional organic gelatinous materials evident in healthy organic soils. Perhaps, some of the Tsunami money could be siphoned off to assist this.

The object is to remove the thermal barrier along the exposed sandy coastlines, by reforesting these areas. Then and only then will the rainfall increase significantly! It is well known that once the trees have gone the rains will fail to fall and the deserts will grow.

A small mangrove island off the coast of India was deforested for fuel and prevented from recovering in order to raise cattle. In five years from the island receiving ample moisture from the ocean, the island is now completely desert and the bones of the cattle remain to tell the tale.

My own interest in this field is in North Africa and the Gulf States, where desert is already well established. The idea of reforesting the coastlines in order to assist rains to fall inland has appealed to Gideon Tzur Water Commissioner for Israel Mohamed Al Shedi of the Saudi Government, Jasem Al Mubaraki of the Kuwait Government and Dr Eldaz of The Egyptian Government. The Oasis Irrigation Project has stimulated positive responses from all corners of the world, by addressing the basic needs of soils during irrigation.

However Thailand’s problems with drought have not yet got to the point of no return and providing we can motivate the people “Not the Government”

The best way to achieve this is through the children and the schools, filtering the information back to their parents. “People Power” is often the way a battle is won, without people power there is no government elections!

Very often the first line of coastal forest are removed and replaced by a road to accommodate the ever-growing tourist infrastructure. Substituting tree cover and smaller shrubs and grasses for hot sun drenched roads is only part of the problem. Then there’s the infrastructure and all the buildings, car parks, leading to widening manmade deserts where nothing can grow. Here the thermals rise high in the skies, forming impenetrable invisible barriers against ocean born moisture and rain-clouds.

Then along comes the Tsunami and compounds this already growing problem by destroying the remaining coastal trees and vegetation exposing even more coastal soils to wind erosion. The additional thermals rising from these devastated coastal regions serve to reduce the rainfall in inland areas many miles away, leaving the trees and grasses to become tinder dry. Fires begin to spread more efficiently as the rains continue to fail, further compounding the problems.

The only way to address the problems Thailand and her surrounding countries will have to endure over the next few years, is to realise the importance of re-establishing tree cover around its coasts. To do this we educate the children and enlist the schools on environmental tree planting projects, instilling in them the need to make sure that they understand that in order to have a country to live in, they need to ensure it survives to nurture them and their children. Unlike the present and past generations of worldwide neglect!

In The UK, I put a small project into operation, titled “A Pocket Full Of Acorns”, aimed at the children, it quickly gathered pace and many new woodlands have arisen throughout the UK, thanks to this simple project. Millions of trees and seeds were planted over several years. One woodland, planted 7 years ago in Devon is now fifteen feet tall. All we did was enlisted the help of the media and contacted schools councils and individuals, who helped to plant these trees for free. This was printed in green ink on an A4 sheet, along with a few small pictures of trees fruits and seed, in order to spice it up a little. The Project invites everyone to adopt their own version of the project and distribute it with their own contact details on it.

Now, if this can be done with ease in the UK, where everyone is conditioned to pay for everything. Imagine what could be done in Thailand, enlisting the children to gather seeds and saplings and transplant them in baron exposed coastal regions.

The World Conservation Union sent me a letter applauding the simplicity of the project and has since been using a similar project in Africa.

‘A Pocket Full Of Acorns’

Another project from OASIS. Trees are disappearing faster in the UK than in the Amazon. How can we lecture the Brazilians on saving their forests when we do not practice what we preach.

During the first world war a soldier was baffled when he observed a shepherd continually stooping as he walked and tended his flock near an oak forest. Investigation revealed he was planting acorns and he and his family were responsible for planting the oak forest over generations. Such sustainable agriculture must be applauded.

Each time we visit the moors here in the UK we are revelling in barren wastelands that we proudly call our national parks, and we should remember that these where once great forests, teeming with wildlife. Our ancestors used fire in order to drive out the animals and kill them in comfort, with no regard for the long term situation. Native Australians have burned their land into a massive desert and this strange custom is still implemented today, and can be seen in practice on our own moor lands.

A Pocket Full Of Acorns is seeking to extend from Devon into Cornwall, and is looking for anyone who has areas of land, large or small, who wish to use it to plant native trees. Unused areas of land or industrial premises on farms or small holdings, or even your own back yard are ideal.

If you wish to join the “Pocket Full Of Acorns Project”, come and see the “OASIS” Stall at Surf To Save.

HERALD EXPRESS November 8 1994

SEED SUCCESS BRINGS GLOBAL BRANCH-OUT

Oak trees will be lining a Churston road thanks to the planting of 4,000 acorns and saplings by local volunteers. The mass planting along the four mile length of Kennals Road was the idea of ‘A Pocket Full Of Acorns’ organiser, Andrew Fletcher.

But he was disappointed that no representatives of the environmental groups he invited turned up. Mr Fletcher set up A Pocket Full Of Acorns ten weeks ago after hearing the story of the old French shepherd.

Each day the shepherd attended his flock, he carried with him a pocket full of acorns, planting them across the mountain side as he went. From this daily exercise a mighty forest grew. Mr Fletcher said: “It’s such a simple way of giving nature a hand. There is nothing cheaper than collecting a pocket full of seeds and planting them.”

His plan to plant out Kennals Road with local oaks had the backing of Torbay Borough Council. But invited conservation group representatives failed to appear.

Planting success

“All they had to do was to come along, poke a few holes in the ground with a stick and then drop an acorn in,” He said. Nevertheless buoyed by the planting success and an earlier one at Tebbit Copse on Telegraph Hill, Mr Fletcher is taking his green message around The Globe.

Mr Fletcher said: “With the destruction of the forests in the Third World and the increasing distances that people, mostly women, must walk to collect water and fire wood for cooking and warmth, it would be so easy to pick a handful of tree seeds and plant them on the way back to their villages.”

Recent meetings with representatives from the Pakistan and Saudi Arabian Embassies were very favourably received, he said.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Andrew K Fletcher]

The messenger

In 1995 while driving home on a dual carriageway in Torquay, Devon, I saw

what appeared to be an injured bird three cars ahead. The cars in front of

me drove over the bird but did not hit it. Having pulled over and picked up

a beautiful green and red male woodpecker, I put him on the passenger seat,

ignoring the beeping horns of impatient drivers. Continuing home hoping that

I would be in time to save this unfortunate chap, I looked into his eyes as

they rolled back in his head as he gave his last breath. I held one hand on

his motionless breast in the hope that he still had some signs of life.

Saddened and angered I continued to drive.

About four or five minutes later, I caught a glimpse, In the adjusted

mirror, of what appeared to be a breath from the injured woodpecker, then to

my astonishment he began to come around dragging himself over and placing

his head on my lap, staring directly into my eyes. Jan, a friend who knows a

bit about wounded animals, nursed him back to health and we eventually

released him into a copse in the Westerland valley near Paignton in Devon. I

still to this day hear a woodpecker in the copse and wander if it is the

same chap that rested his head on my lap.

The message was very clear that day and will stay with me forever and is the

reason for the following offering.

A Pocket Full Of Acorns

Having recently been told the story of the old shepherd and a soldiers

chance meeting in France, during the war, I would like the chance to share

it with you.

The soldier watched as the shepherd attended his sheep, and was curious as

to his habit of dropping something into the soil and heeling it into the

soft earth. He was in fact planting acorns as he tended his flock, and had

been doing so for many years. As the soldier looked around him, he noticed

that all the trees he could see were in fact oak, from mighty oaks to

saplings. He later found that the old shepherd was entirely responsible for

the creation of this magnificent oak forest and all it's inhabitants.

One cannot help wandering why the human race does not see the wisdom in

replanting the trees that we have squandered. "For man has no deeper or

older debt than the one he owes to the tree.

In addition to mans devastation natural disasters frequent the Earth, like

the Dutch elm disease or the recent fires in Australia, Spain, Burma,

Indonesia and the USA. Or floods, mudslides and storms-often amplified by

the absence of trees wreak havoc as they level the last remaining remnants

of once great woods and forests. One such storm visited the UK one-day in

1987 and left a trail of destruction with the loss of over 19 million trees.

How simple it would be to follow the wonderful example of the French

shepherd and carry a forest in our pockets. Full of acorns, or cherry,

chestnut, horse chestnut, maple, beech, hazel, apple, or any other kind of

native tree seed we could turn this tide of destruction. Locating suitable

sites, even in built up areas is very easy, gaining permission to create

woodland takes time, but you will succeed if you are persistent. Use the

media to encourage landowners to join you and to invite people to bring and

plant their seeds and saplings. Design and Display a "Pocket Full of Acorns"

sign at the entrance to your site to indicate that this particular area is

to be transformed into woodland or forest.

Each time we visit the English moors to revel in the barren wastelands that

we call our "National Parks?" We should remember that these were once great

forests, teeming with life. Wild boar, bear, deer and wolf, to mention a few

all roamed what was once great forest. Our ancestors whose epitaph lays in

the stone remnants, littered all over these lands used fire in order to

drive the animals out of the trees so they could be killed in comfort, with

no regard for their actions or the future of our planet. Grasses were

planted to feed domesticated animals and to make bread, spelling doom for

all trees until the land became so impoverished man was forced to abandon

it.

Today in certain parts of the world like Indonesia this strange tradition is

still implemented. But I wander how many of us realise that the moors are

still moors because they are still burned in the same way. Perhaps not for

the same reasons but with the same devastating results!

Farmers in the UK are now forbidden to burn straw because of its affect on

our environment. Sooner or later all burning must stop. I have recently

visited Snake Pass in the Peak District, only to find dead and dying trees

and vast areas of soil erosion.

The native Australians like the ancient Egyptians have continued to burn

their land and have succeeded in reducing almost all of their land to

desert. When we realise just how simple it would be to take a pocket full of

seeds, from a tree, with us on our day out and heel them into the soft

earth, just like the old shepherd in France. I can't help wandering how long

it would take to re-forest the barren hills instead of trampling the fragile

earth with our designer walking boots.

Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat

Soon we will be thinking of Christmas. The Christmas trees are already

growing and will be ready for harvest, to adorn with decorations and take

pride of place in our home for a few weeks. When the feasting is over they

will be dumped in country lanes or tossed aside like the unwanted puppy.

Why don’t we care for these trees that have been tended for so long?

Purchased with their roots intact, placed in a pot and kept moist over

Christmas they could easily be re-planted, so that in time we could visit

our Christmases past with pride knowing that they will remain long after we

have perished.

THE MEDIA should now realise that this is quite within their grasp to make

this happen. All it would take is a small announcement and who knows where

it will lead us? It has been known for sometime that violence can be linked

to the viewing of violence on t.v. There is nothing to say that the reverse

will not happen when viewing hope on our screens.

The press should also realise that in order to print future editions,

guarantees must be fixed in place now to ensure that timber supplies are to

be available into the next century. A commitment by Europe to replace it's

forgotten forests may go a long way to show by example, the futility in the

constant destruction of our environment. Or perhaps by replacing our own

forests we may reduce the demands imposed on the last remaining tropical

rainforest in the developing world. "Please find it in your hearts to give

it a try this year.

The vision

I can see school projects springing up everywhere around the World,

cultivating saplings and organising school trips to the peoples new forest!

In Britain we could visit the Dartmoor New peoples forest. Now that would be

something to be proud of.

Instead of a paper-chase, (a race where paper is left in a trail for others

to follow), we could leave a trail of tree seeds and instead of picking up

paper we could tread the seeds into the soil and leave a trail of trees

behind us. Remember though, not everyone is interested in our environment,

so be sure to gain permission before planting trees in sensitive areas.

The human race (which incidentally is being lost), has an in-built fear of

the forest and its darkness. Perhaps it is for this reason that we are

reluctant to allow its natural regeneration? Or perhaps we still hold the

miss-conception that greater profits are achieved by exporting live

horseflesh. Or perhaps hunting down stags in plus fours and high-powered

rifle is easier without the foliage for them to hide in?

The last fifty years or so have left nothing but devastation for our

environment. It need not be this way. All it will take is a little

understanding that a few seeds will make our world a better place for all

our children. It may yet even redeem us from going down in history as the

most destructive species of all time.

What can I do to help?

First and foremost, the next time you see a native tree full of seeds grab a

handful and give Mother Nature a helping hand. God knows she needs it now

more than ever before, (try not to plant damaged seeds).

You may edit and use this message to encourage the planting of trees. If you

are from another part of the world, translate, edit and reproduce this

message to suit your native species of trees. Or simply print it and

photocopy it. Distribute it by including it in your web page, or Email it to

everyone you write to.

Ask your school to locate some land and plant a woodland reserve. Ask your

local press, television and radio if they can help to locate land and spread

the word.

If you know of or are a member of an environmental organisation, contact

them and ask them to join us. The first such group to join is Surf To Save

in Cornwall.

"A Pocket Full Of Acorns is limited only by your imagination and other than

a few stamps and the odd photocopy will not cost you a penny. However if you

do not wish to take part in this project, then simply recycle this leaflet

by giving it to someone else, or pin it up on a school notice board, or

place it in a shop window. Please don't throw our planet away, it could

literally cost us the Earth!

Initial endorsements by the Devon Tree Bank, The World Conservation Union,

and the Forestry Commission.

Andrew Fletcher, 26 Berry Drive, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3QW.From the

Originator of OASIS Irrigation.

[bina]

thanx plachon nice to get your backing

i actually had a vet question for him RANDOM CHANCE but two hours in the barn in cold weather, i solved it myself ==having to do with rumination; totally off subject but need to know how to say colic (bloat) in thai... do buffalos get that??

will try to find him since it is very specific language question....

where is he located anyway: dairy herds need tons of water for the cows, cleaning, sterilizing etc... if u cut back water, they cut back on milk-- at least goats do.....

the beduins all graze their cows and goats on the harvested wheat corn etc fields, they do a good job; how come dont do it much in thailand?? also hteir manure goes back in, granted not a lot but definately adds up...

as for the planting trees: beware: as plachon probably knows, the trees planted in israel up to about 10(?) years ago were those awful pines. they poison the soil, no browse for other animals, and are great tinder for forest fires. now the tree people are planting native types not in clumps like orchards but varigated. i actually heard about this fletcher's project, not his name, but the idea as a friend of mine is studying geography and this is her pet peeve i hear about a million times aday.......

thanx all for listening....

Edited March 12, 2005 by bina

[lannachiangrai]

I'm sure cutting down all those trees over the last 40 years has absolutely nothing to do with the problem . . .

[ayakiawe]

Hey I am a bit thick what are you talking about lannachiangrai?

[roiet]

I'm sure cutting down all those trees over the last 40 years has absolutely nothing to do with the problem . . .

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why are many countries having laws to keep the percentage of the forest area high as possible. Simple, trees are producing shade and keep the water in the ground and prevent errosion. Look at Switzerland: they keep the forrested area always at 25 % of the total surface. They prevented erosion and water level drop hundreds of years ago already. You find water everywhere.

Andrew K Fletcher has some good practical ideas. Plant seedlings, small trees wherever you can, tell the school children about this. Start on a small scale. I planted already 30 trees on my 3 rai land and I will plant more. This land is really a non fertile Isaan clay dissapointment. But I try and try.

[The_Moog]

Whilst you're all planning how to save the poor misguided Thais, you might like to consider your future in jail, (along with all the deviants from our other topics).

There are restrictions under the Alien Business Law about what foreigners can be involved with in Thailand.....legislation exists that prohibits foreign involvement in Rice Farming, Animal Husbandry, Orchard Farming, Rice Milling, Cultivation and many more.

The Board of Investment 'Eligible Activities' List allows foreigners in related activities like Biological Fertilizers, seed grading and hydroponics.

So double check the Law, because you might find the Thai people don't want the Farang big noses being stuck into their business, their ancestral land, and telling them how to do things the white man way, even if it is a better way.

Food for thought.

Edited March 13, 2005 by The_Moog

[Teach]

Whilst you're all planning how to save the poor misguided Thais, you might like to consider your future in jail, (along with all the deviants from our other topics).

There are restrictions under the Alien Business Law about what foreigners can be involved with in Thailand.....legislation exists that prohibits foreign involvement in Rice Farming, Animal Husbandry, Orchard Farming, Rice Milling, Cultivation and many more.

The Board of Investment 'Eligible Activities' List allows foreigners in related activities like Biological Fertilizers, seed grading and hydroponics.

So double check the Law, because you might find the Thai people don't want the Farang big noses being stuck into their business, their ancestral land, and telling them how to do things the white man way, even if it is a better way.

Food for thought.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not strickly true Moog. There are ways in which the ordinary Joe can do his bit here in Thailand if he has the conscience to do so but not the land.

There are many Managed Forestry Companies doing fine work on sustained forestry and carbon sinks. One in Thailand that comes to mind is Touchwood Eurasia Co. Ltd and Touchwood Forestry Co. Ltd. They have been making a difference in Sri- Lanka Planting Teak and Mahogany. In Thailand they are initially dealing in Aloeswood with a view to expanding to other endangered species here in Thailand as soon as the government releases the land. This form of reforestation is available to everyone who wishes to contribute to the environment and benefit from healthy profits as well. Though a Thai company it is predominantly Farang expertise and investment into this country and its future.

Any concerned parties who would like to put their money where their mouth is should visit their site at www.touchwood.co.th and see that there are those who are trying to make a difference.

[Diggerbasher]

Growing trees her in Isaarn is a struggle as you have such awful soils and drought conditions.

[The_Moog]

Any concerned parties who would like to put their money where their mouth is should visit their site at www.touchwood.co.th

I hope you're paying George some advertising fees for that pitch !

Anyway, the King has been talking about sustainable farming for donkey's years, and Thai people nod and don't do anything, so if he can't get it done, it'll be even tougher for a bunch of Thaivisa pseudonyms. Still, no harm in trying.

[Teach]

Any concerned parties who would like to put their money where their mouth is should visit their site at www.touchwood.co.th

I hope you're paying George some advertising fees for that pitch !

Anyway, the King has been talking about sustainable farming for donkey's years, and Thai people nod and don't do anything, so if he can't get it done, it'll be even tougher for a bunch of Thaivisa pseudonyms. Still, no harm in trying.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Always the suspicious type of replies from the jaded. So be it, try these sites - no "pitching' as you put it.

www.preciouswoods .com

www.CITES.org

www.traffic.org

www.users.globalnet.co.uk

Here you educate yourself on the environment without feeling pitched. Then you can add value to the thread.

[bannork]

thanx plachon nice to get your backing

i actually had a vet question for him RANDOM CHANCE  but two hours in the barn in cold weather, i solved it myself ==having to do with rumination; totally off subject but need to know how to say colic (bloat) in thai... do buffalos get that??

will try to find him since it is very specific language question....

where is he located anyway: dairy herds need tons of water for the cows, cleaning, sterilizing etc... if u cut back water, they cut back on milk-- at least goats do.....

the beduins all graze their cows and goats on the harvested wheat corn etc fields, they do a good job; how come dont do it much in thailand?? also hteir manure goes back in, granted not a lot but definately adds up...

as for the planting trees: beware: as plachon probably knows, the trees planted in israel up to about 10(?) years ago were those awful pines.  they poison the soil, no browse for other animals, and are great tinder for forest fires.  now the tree people are planting native types not in clumps like orchards but varigated.  i actually heard about this fletcher's project, not his name, but the idea as a friend of mine is studying geography and this is her pet peeve i hear about a million times aday.......

thanx all for listening....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

the Thais do graze their beef cattle on the harvested rice fields bina. You can see it all over Issan from December to May.

[ayakiawe]

A friend sent this to me, it is a beautiful and an important message.

Get ready for a really good story!

What do trees have to do with peace?

Thirty years ago, in the country of Kenya,

90% of the forest had been chopped down.

Without trees to hold the topsoil in place,

the land became like a desert.

When the women and girls would go in search

of firewood in order to prepare the meals,

they would have to spend hours and hours

looking for what few branches remained.

A woman named Wangari

watched all of this happening.

She decided that there must be a way

to take better care of the land and

take better care of the women and girls.

So she planted a tree.

And then she planted another.

She wanted to plant thousands of trees,

but she realized that it would take a very

long time if she was the only one doing it.

So she taught the women who were looking

for firewood to plant trees, and they were paid

a small amount for each sapling they grew.

Soon she organized women all over the country

to plant trees, and a movement took hold. It was

called the Green Belt Movement, and with each

passing year, more and more trees covered the land.

But something else was happening

as the women planted those trees.

Something else besides those trees was taking root.

The women began to have confidence in themselves.

They began to see that they could make a difference.

They began to see that they were capable of many

things, and that they were equal to the men.

They began to recognize that they were deserving

of being treated with respect and dignity.

Changes like these were threatening to some.

The president of the country didn't like any of this.

So police were sent to intimidate and beat Wangari

for planting trees, and for planting ideas of equality

and democracy in people's heads, especially in women's.

She was accused of "subversion" and arrested many times.

Once, while Wangari was trying to plant trees, she was

clubbed by guards hired by developers who wanted

the lands cleared. She was hospitalized with head injuries.

But she survived, and it only made her realize that she

was on the right path.

For almost thirty years, she was threatened physically,

and she was often made fun of in the press. But she

didn't flinch. She only had to look in the eyes of her

three children, and in the eyes of the thousands of

women and girls who were blossoming right along

with the trees, and she found the strength to continue.

And that is how it came to be that 30 million trees

have been planted in Africa, one tree at a time.

The landscapes--both the external one of the land

and the internal one of the people--have been transformed.

In 2002, the people of Kenya held a democratic

election, and the president who opposed Wangari and

her Green Belt Movement is no longer in office.

And Wangari is now Kenya's

Assistant Minister for the Environment.

She is 65 years old,

and this year she planted one more tree

in celebration and thanksgiving

for being given a very great honor:

Wangari Maathai has been awarded

the Nobel Peace Prize. She is the first

African woman to receive this award.

After she was notified, she gave a speech entitled,

"What Do Trees Have To Do With Peace?"

She pointed out how most wars are fought

over limited natural resources, such as oil, land,

coal or diamonds. She called for an end to

corporate greed, and for leaders to build more

just societies. She added:

"Our recent experience in Kenya gives hope

to all who have been struggling for a better future.

It shows it is possible to bring about positive change,

and still do it peacefully. All it takes is courage and

perseverance, and a belief that positive change is possible.

That is why the slogan for our campaign was 'It is Possible!'"

"On behalf of all African women, I want to express

my profound appreciation for this honour,

which will serve to encourage women in Kenya,

in Africa, and around the world to raise their

voices and not to be deterred."

"When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of

peace and seeds of hope. We also secure the future

for our children. I call on those around the world

to celebrate by planting a tree wherever you are."

As she received the Nobel Peace Prize this week

in Oslo, she invited us all to get involved:

"Today we are faced with a challenge

that calls for a shift in our thinking, so that

humanity stops threatening its life-support system.

We are called to assist the Earth to heal her wounds

and in the process heal our own."

* * *

Can we accept Wangari's invitation?

As we look around our neighborhood or city,

as we look at our own country,

What is needed?

Where are women and children suffering?

Where are people feeling disempowered?

Where does the Earth need our help?

What is our equivalent of planting one tree?

[Andrew K Fletcher]

Hello Roiet

In The middle of the Sahara there is a volcanic basin teeming with forests rivers, wetlands, elephants lions, water buffalo, zebra and many more creatures. There is even a massive lake known as lake paradise. It rains here frequently, yet all around this area is bone dry and devoid of life. So the answer is yes, planting trees definitely helps to milk the moisture from the skies.

However, the most effective way to address the problems is to start from the coastlines and work inwards. This way you can guarantee that the trees you are planting will receive ample moisture from the oceans.

What is required initially is a leaflet in Thai, explaining how simple it is to plant seeds and saplings and how important it is to do so now.

Changing public opinion from concrete and buildings is not going to be easy, but planting trees around them will not only enhance the area but will undoubtedly provide ample rainfall for farming communities

Andrew

[Pie Boy]

A friend sent this to me, it is a beautiful and an important message.

Get ready for a really good story!

What do trees have to do with peace?

Thirty years ago, in the country of Kenya,

90% of the forest had been chopped down.

Without trees to hold the topsoil in place,

the land became like a desert.

When the women and girls would go in search

of firewood in order to prepare the meals,

they would have to spend hours and hours

looking for what few branches remained.

A woman named Wangari

watched all of this happening.

She decided that there must be a way

to take better care of the land and

take better care of the women and girls.

So she planted a tree.

And then she planted another.

She wanted to plant thousands of trees,

but she realized that it would take a very

long time if she was the only one doing it.

So she taught the women who were looking

for firewood to plant trees, and they were paid

a small amount for each sapling they grew.

Soon she organized women all over the country

to plant trees, and a movement took hold. It was

called the Green Belt Movement, and with each

passing year, more and more trees covered the land.

But something else was happening

as the women planted those trees.

Something else besides those trees was taking root.

The women began to have confidence in themselves.

They began to see that they could make a difference.

They began to see that they were capable of many

things, and that they were equal to the men.

They began to recognize that they were deserving

of being treated with respect and dignity.

Changes like these were threatening to some.

The president of the country didn't like any of this.

So police were sent to intimidate and beat Wangari

for planting trees, and for planting ideas of equality

and democracy in people's heads, especially in women's.

She was accused of "subversion" and arrested many times.

Once, while Wangari was trying to plant trees, she was

clubbed by guards hired by developers who wanted

the lands cleared. She was hospitalized with head injuries.

But she survived, and it only made her realize that she

was on the right path.

For almost thirty years, she was threatened physically,

and she was often made fun of in the press. But she

didn't flinch. She only had to look in the eyes of her

three children, and in the eyes of the thousands of

women and girls who were blossoming right along

with the trees, and she found the strength to continue.

And that is how it came to be that 30 million trees

have been planted in Africa, one tree at a time.

The landscapes--both the external one of the land

and the internal one of the people--have been transformed.

In 2002, the people of Kenya held a democratic

election, and the president who opposed Wangari and

her Green Belt Movement is no longer in office.

And Wangari is now Kenya's

Assistant Minister for the Environment.

She is 65 years old,

and this year she planted one more tree

in celebration and thanksgiving

for being given a very great honor:

Wangari Maathai has been awarded

the Nobel Peace Prize. She is the first

African woman to receive this award.

After she was notified, she gave a speech entitled,

"What Do Trees Have To Do With Peace?"

She pointed out how most wars are fought

over limited natural resources, such as oil, land,

coal or diamonds. She called for an end to

corporate greed, and for leaders to build more

just societies. She added:

"Our recent experience in Kenya gives hope

to all who have been struggling for a better future.

It shows it is possible to bring about positive change,

and still do it peacefully. All it takes is courage and

perseverance, and a belief that positive change is possible.

That is why the slogan for our campaign was 'It is Possible!'"

"On behalf of all African women, I want to express

my profound appreciation for this honour,

which will serve to encourage women in Kenya,

in Africa, and around the world to raise their

voices and not to be deterred."

"When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of

peace and seeds of hope. We also secure the future

for our children. I call on those around the world

to celebrate by planting a tree wherever you are."

As she received the Nobel Peace Prize this week

in Oslo, she invited us all to get involved:

"Today we are faced with a challenge

that calls for a shift in our thinking, so that

humanity stops threatening its life-support system.

We are called to assist the Earth to heal her wounds

and in the process heal our own."

* * *

Can we accept Wangari's invitation?

As we look around our neighborhood or city,

as we look at our own country,

What is needed?

Where are women and children suffering?

Where are people feeling disempowered?

Where does the Earth need our help?

What is our equivalent of planting one tree?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'll have the story translated and give it to my brother-in-law then distributed around the surrounding villages.Consider Isaan saved.

For info for those who are interested - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3747724.stm

[plachon]

Hello Roiet

In The middle of the Sahara there is a volcanic basin teeming with forests rivers, wetlands, elephants lions, water buffalo, zebra and many more creatures. There is even a massive lake known as lake paradise. It rains here frequently, yet all around this area is bone dry and devoid of life. So the answer is yes, planting trees definitely helps to milk the moisture from the skies.

Andrew

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Can you be a bit more specific about the location of this magical "volcanic basin in the middle of the Sahara"? Like country? It's not that I disbelieve you, but for somewhere to have all the ecosystems you mention in the middle of the world's largest desert and for it not to be common knowledge, then I'm sure there has to be a logical explanation.

This idea that the mere act of planting trees will automatically bring back rain to dry areas is an attractive one, but I am afraid it is not as simple as that. As the world warms up (whether from natural cycles or man made causes) and oceanic currents start to change course (as is happening more frequently with El Nino phenomenon, which I believe could be behind the current drought over Thailand), then there is an ever increasing danger that whole weather patterns may change over massive areas of the globe. Hence, there is the perverse possibility that should the Gulf Stream fail to circulate on its present clockwise course past Western European shores, it could cause a massive cooling of climate in Western Europe, while the rest of the globe hots up (on average). By the same token, areas that are presently barren desert could start to receive much more rain (and will need a helping hand from man to revegetate), whilst currently wet and forested regions could turn to desert in a decade or two, so that no matter how many trees are planted, they may still all die.

This sounds very much like "Day after Tomorrow" stuff (which I haven't seen), but my understanding of global warming is such, that unlike mass-consumption Hollywood disaster movies, actual future changes in climate change at some regions could be quite sudden (we're talking decades in this context) due to positive feedback loops fueling te process. Melting of the polar ice caps and the subsequent double whammy release of CO2 and reduction in solar reflection back into space causing runaway warming is a case in point. Scientists have already recorded that soot particles deposited on polar ice are increasing solar radiation absorption, thus increasing the rate of melting, which is just part of the reason why the artic and Antartic ice sheets are melting at an alarming rate. What I'm getting at is that we need to look at the wider picture and inter-relationships of factors before deciding which is the best way to act. Having said that, I'm all for planting trees, especially hardwoods, whenever and wherever possible, despite what the miserable old Moog and assorted cynics say!

[naja]

The Thais are not the only ones who find it difficult to properly manage their soil and water resources for a variety of political,social and economic reasons.

Take the case of Australia.

Australia ,a 1st world country,rich,with more technical experts than you can poke a stick at,still can not manage the inevitable droughts in the driest continent on earth.

Enormous volumes of water are extracted from the Murray-Darling River system to irrigate 2 of the thirstiest crops known to man-rice and cotton. The river system is stuffed even though there have been countless enquiries into drought in Australia during the past 60 years.

As someone has said:it is very difficult to change the ways of farmers,who worldwide are generally fairly conservative. But the question needs to be asked:Who introduced the non-lodging rice-fertilizer-pesticide package into Thailand? Definitely not the Thais.IRRI[international Rice Research Institue ],Los Banos,was initially set up as a bulwark against communism.If the [asian]poor have food in their bellies they are unlikely to go red,according to the received wisdom at the time.

Western agricultural experts have a lot to answer for.