The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) aims to expand mangrove forests by 500,000 rai over the next five years under a financial scheme to empower community conservation efforts.
DMCR director-general Pinsak Suraswadi said the agency has successfully safeguarded more than 1.3 million rai of fertile mangrove forests nationwide, with minimal encroachment. The next phase, he said, will see the total protected area extended to 3.4 million rai, based on satellite mapping.
Mr Pinsak made his comments during his speech at the department’s 23rd anniversary celebration on Monday.
Although some mangrove areas have been converted into private property, they can be restored under new land tax regulations that grant exemptions to landowners who allow mangrove replanting on idle plots. About 230,000 rai fall under this category, he said.
Approximately one million rai, currently occupied by communities and state agencies, will be jointly managed through local participation and partnerships with the department, Mr Pinsak said while emphasising that creating sustainable income for residents is the most effective way to ensure long-term mangrove protection.
“Carbon credit is one option, and biodiversity credit will follow to enhance forest value.”
He added that the department plans to increase mangrove carbon credit schemes from 80,000 to 500,000 rai within five years, having already planted over 175,509 rai of mangrove forests in 24 provinces and reclaimed more than 69,248 rai from encroachment.