Learning Process Promotion for Youth in the Banthad Range (THA-00-G30)

Project Details & Results

The Banthad Range is the prime watershed area of more than 10 tributaries of the Songkhla Lagoon, an ecological part of the Gulf of Thailand. The decreasing capacity of the watershed area due to deforestation, the alteration of the water courses by small irrigation project, the excessive chemical run-off from cultivated land , the untimely regulation of current between the lagoon and the gulf ,etc, have all contributed to the degrading situation of the ecosystems of the lagoon and the gulf. In coping with these threatening problems, the awareness of the communities , especially local educational institutes, are major factors that subsequently influence the awareness of other groups in the communities. Therefore, the initiative to raise the awareness of youths and responsible CBOs’ is one , among other efforts by government, that will lead to the commencement of rehabilitation of the lagoon ecosystems.


Project goals or objectives (including GEF problem-area addressed by projects):

1.To build conservation awareness for youths so that they could participate in the management of natural resources
2.To forge learning networks of youth for collective protection of the tributaries
3.To build capacity of CBOs’ that work with local youths

Activities to be carried out under project:

1.Assessing the condition and quality of at least 5 tributaries through seminars of teachers and training of students
2.Disseminating information and other media to concerned agencies and other stakeholders
3.Holding open forum for wider publics
4.Surveying bike routes connecting the tributaries

Project participants and/or beneficiaries:

1.At least 20 primary and secondary schools in 11 districts of Phatthalung Province
2.All government agencies responsible for education at provincial level
3.Provincial Fishery Office, Provincial Irrigation Office
4.Royal Forestry Department

Anticipated results of project:

1.There emerges at least 1 volunteer group undertaking guarding activities for tributaries and water courses of significance.
2.There emerges at least 1 environmental education network of youth , teachers , CBOs’ and public/private sectors.
3.At least 3 communities compile their own local curriculum on environment management.

Project Results
1.Over 50 students from several schools in Phatthalung Province had a chance to learn about the environmental problems of main rivers in the locality and acquired skill in conducting water quality monitor.
2.Participating students from various schools learnt to work together and initiated to share experience with other students the schools.
3.Teachers, community leaders and student leaders had chances to discuss the approaches for solution through open forum.

Participatory Evaluation: ( Conducted on January 2002)

Methods:
1.Participants of the programme launched participatory evaluation after the completion of each activity.
2.Project leaders summarizes lessons learnt to build capacity of the leaders.
3.Project administrators , advisors and project leaders conducted an open forum to solicit wider view and develop learning process for improved implementing efficiency

Participants: 1.Project administrators
2.Project advisors
3.Student leaders from participating schools:
-Charad Chanu Pratham School , Konglar District, Phatthalung Province
-Khao Chai Son School, Khao Chai Son District, Phatthalung Province
-Panya Arvudth School, Khuankhanoon District, Phatthalung Province
-Sawasrattanaphimuk School, Nayong District, Trang Province
-The Jungle Fowl Club, Paborn District, Phatthalung Province

Impact:

Upon completion of project, the majority of participating students continued to apply what had been learnt by assuming active roles in environmental and natural resources programme of schools and surrounding communities. There emerged loose networks (Basin & Lake concern) meeting regularly to analyze local environmental problems, disseminate the result to other concerned organization such as nearby schools and governing tambol administrative organization.

The tambol administrative organizations and schools situated in the project area were made to realize what the students presented. These would be the basis for further development planning.

The Radio Thailand supported the project by encouraging the students to launch programme which highlighted the role of students in local development.

Future Plan:

1. Reaching out to other 10 interested schools
2. Launching Web site of project to facilitate communication
3.Reaching out to other 5 main rivers
4.Filing data & information on environmental status of main rivers in Phatthalung Province for students, schools and community organization