Natural Resources and Environment Minister Surasak Karnjanarat led 1,500 Chonburi officials and residents in planting more than 8,000 mangrove trees in honor of HM the Queen’s August birthday.
Deputy Gov. Chawalit Saeng-Uthai welcomed Surasak to a mangrove forest in Muang District Sept. 9.
Surasak said the planting of trees adheres to the Her Majesty’s desire to restore the marine ecosystem. It also stimulates the growth of aquatic animals that are key to the seafood chain. Planting trees together also builds harmony in the community, he said.
Cholathit Suratsawadee, director-general of Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, said the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources is working to stop intrusion into mangrove resources with 155 cases prosecuted, protecting 2,168 rai of forestland.
In Chonburi Province there are 4,550 rai of mangroves, with some encroached upon by developers. Therefore the department arranged the tree planting in honor of HM the Queen’s birthday to restore the mangrove areas.
At the event, 1,500 people planted 8,400 trees. It also featured an exhibition on conservancy of marine and coastal resources, mangrove products and foods, and the release of 12,000 animals back to the mangrove forest.
Surasak said mangroves are an essential source of resources. In the past, many marine and coastal resources were destroyed for commercial gain and pollution from industry. These have had an impact on the balance of the coastal ecosystem, directly and indirectly affecting the country.
