Exchange Study Visit to Thailand’s Kuan Kreng Peatlands to learn their Best Practices in Peatland Management

January 10, 2024

Location: Chian Yai District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Joint activities by multi-agency cooperation to host the regional exchange visit

Global Environment Centre (GEC) as part of the MAHFSA Programme collaborated with IUCN-GEF Mekong Peatlands Project and EU-SUPA/ASEAN-REPEAT (Regional Experiences in Sustainable Peatland Management) Project to co-organise an exchange visit on 21-23 November 2023 to Kuan Kreng Peat Swamp Landscape located in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, the southern part -of Thailand.

The event was participated by an estimated 100 attendees, including government officials from Cambodia and Lao PDR, IUCN representatives, and received local support from Thai government officials and volunteers associated with The Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), as well as local peat community members.

The purpose of the visit was to showcase best management practices (BMPs) implemented by the Government of Thailand in strengthening peatland governance and improving management. This visit serves as a platform for participants to share experiences and exchange knowledge regarding these BMPs, and encourage replication of these practices after returning to their respective countries.

Commentating on the success of the event, IUCN representative Dr Andrew Wyatt, Chief Technical Advisor of the Mekong Peatlands Project stated: “The trip was a good platform for all delegates to get input on how Thailand governs, protects and manages their peatland. It showcased how they empower their communities in eco-tourism within wetlands while sustaining the ecosystem. This serves as a valuable case study for Cambodia and Lao PDR as they are moving forward in strengthening their own peatland governance and developing respective National Action Plans for Peatlands (NAPP).”

The Kuan Kreng landscape, covering approximately 14,000 hectares across three provinces namely Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla, represents a tropical rainforest situated in lowland areas that experience continuous exposure to water over a prolonged period of time.

In 1993, a forest fire swept the Kuan Kreng Peat Swamp Landscape. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej took the initiative to launch a rehabilitation project to restore the damaged peatland and to improve the livelihood of the people living around the Kuan Kreng peat swamp forest. Following the King’s guidance, a water control system was constructed in 2003 to protect the peat swamp from fire during the dry seasons.

The activities undertaken at Kuan Kreng Peat Swamp Landscape are carried out to promote environmental awareness and conservation. These include operating an exhibition centre aimed at environmental education, engaging in reforestation efforts, and nurturing seedlings in nurseries. There is also a focus on developing the local community’s livelihood and sharing success stories through public relations initiatives. Additionally, collaboration with the DNP and Royal Forest Department (RFD) involves working with local volunteers to prevent and control fires. The local community was encouraged to contribute to peatland conservation through various initiatives that involve establishing a platform for marketing locally crafted items made from native peatland plants such as Lepironia articulate Retz, known locally as ‘krajood’ (Thai), ‘purun’ (Indonesian), and ‘kercut’ (Malay). Furthermore, activities like boating in Thale Noi Non-Hunting Area for water bird-watching, touring to lotus flower spots, and exploring the melaleuca forest contribute to ecotourism, foster knowledge-sharing among countries, and stimulate ideas for potential ecotourism among countries.

Lao PDR’s representative, Ms. Chindavanh Souriyaphack highlighted the visit’s role as a catalyst in developing a framework aimed at protecting country’s peatland landscape. Similarly, Cambodia’s representative, Mr. Yoeung Visal underscored key takeaways from the visit, including insights into governance practices and a range of conventional and modern techniques to address forest fire outbreaks.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Thanakorn Rakhtam, DNP’s Director of Forest Fire Control and Operations Division, Nakhon Si Thammarat, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government of Thailand for the honour to host the study visit. He conveyed that the delegates found value in the visits and gained some new knowledge to protect their respective peatlands.

The study visit showcased a shared commitment and collaborative efforts among the participating countries and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in peatland conservation. The exchange of substantial knowledge and shared experiences not only strengthens the resilience of each country’s peatland ecosystem but also paves the way for a sustainable and harmonious future.

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