Bangkok (January 23, 2019) – The Royal Forest Department led government agencies and private sector jointly launched an innovation for forestation at “Khao Phraya Doen Tong” (Doen Tong Mountain) in Lopburi covering 6,000 rais as a model for upstream forest for water reservation.
Mr.Thanompong Sungthoop, head of the forest restoration project at Khao Phraya Doen Thong, said involved agencies including the department, Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization), Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office (Public Organization) and Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CPF). They join efforts to restore forest around “Pasak” watershed covering 5,971 rais, where is the Kingdom’s first-ever area to launch an innovative planting method.
Such method is a combination of 4 key practices for forest restoration based on environment in the area. First, the practices include prudence planting by installing water drip system together with grading seed, putting fertilizer and weed disposal. Second, ecology forestation that close to nature by growing banana trees around the plantation area as well as pouring effective microorganisms to ensure flourish soil.
Third, planting extra trees to fulfill forest area and eliminate vines and weeds to allow baby plants to grow. Finally, encouraging natural fertilization by damaging vines which obstacle sunlight to the ground.
Moreover, “Khao Phraya Doen Tong” is the forest area in Pattana Nikom, Lopburi, about 160 Km. north Bangkok. It is also one of a main forest restoration model to turn degraded forest into fertile forest.
“It is not only the last water resource in the area but an area to generate income to people in the community. We try to keep all new trees and maintain them like they were grown naturally,” said Thanompong.
Mr.Rob Chaiwat, head of village in Pattana District, pointed that CPF forestation at Khao Phraya Doen Tong has gradually been developed from tree planting with various kind of plants, wire creating as well as other facilities.
“It significantly brings back nature to earth with much more trees, birds and other wild lives. Villagers also have extra incomes from selling goods to visitors,” said Mr.Rob.
