Lam Ta Klong river , a tributary of the greater Mekhong River, originated in the Khao Yai National Park. Before joining the Mekhong River at the Laotion border, the river runs its course through various areas, both of cultivated and residential. The river has been providing water for agriculture and household consumption as well as food in term of water species. This portion of the ecological system of the Mekhong River has long established the rice-and-fish culture in the northeast Thailand, some portion of Lao P.D.R. as well as Cambodia.

As the modern agro- technology and practices were adopted, coupled with rapid population growth , the river has been under threat by excessive chemical run-off and community waste. Especially along the 5 km.long of the project location, the unscrupulous disposal of community waste has seriously affected the livelihood of many water species. The dissolved oxygen in the river has decrease dramatically and required an urgent attention of all stakeholders.

The Forest Protection Group , a private volunteer organization, based in Nakhonratchasima Province, experienced and active in environmental conservation, has initiated the protection project of the river by launching the study & survey of the river, campaigning amongst concerned population and raising awareness of youth & general public.

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

1.To build capacity of teachers and students from selected 6 schools on river protection issue
2.To support the river-protecting activities of the schools
3.To launch campaigns by publicizing the information and soliciting participation from wider audience

Activities to be carried out under project:

1.Training of teachers on the topic ? Environment Study and Water Quality Checking by Classification of Water Species ? (Invertebrates)
2.Organizing youth camp
3.Periodically launching the monitor of water quality in the river
4.Participating in and supporting the activities initiated and planned by students
5.Campaigning and disseminating the result and related information via newsletter, local newspaper and organizing exhibition

Project participants and/or beneficiaries:

1. Ratchasima Withayalai 2
2.Korat Phithayakhom
3.Suranari Witthaya 2
4.Assumption Nakhornratchasima
5.Suranari Withaya
6.Boonwatthana 2

Anticipated results of project:

1.Twelve teachers from the 6 schools efficiently manage to integrate what they have learnt during the
training session into the formal environment education curriculum.
2.300 students from the 6 schools are instilled with conservation awareness and are capable of
conducting the inspection and monitor of water quality.
3. There emerges ? Youth for Lam Ta Klong River ? organization.