A portion of the ecosystems of the Indian Ocean, the project location is one of the richest spots in coastal resources such as mangroves, sea-grass, coral , water species and aqua-plants upon which the livelihood of 505 families depend. The recent economic development plans which is industry-oriented have caused the deforestation of mangrove forest, vast-scale shrimp farming, encroachment of national forest and construction along the coast. Consequently, all these have caused degradation to overall coastal ecosystems and quality of life to the communities at ? large.

There are many approaches to rehabilitate ecosystems and coastal resources one of which is sustainable use of the existing natural resources , adding values to it and building conservation awareness among community members.

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

1.To promote indigenous knowledge such as food processing and handicraft among women?s group
2.To initiate activities on rehabilitation and sustainable management of natural resources
3.To forge network of women?s group for conservation and development of coastal resources in target villages and surrounding ones

Activities to be carried out under project:

1.Compiling local approaches and organizing meeting at community level
2.Organizing seminars and study tours to build capacity of community members
3.Launching mangrove reforestation project and weaving project
4.Producing dissemination materials for wider campaigns

Project participants and/or beneficiaries:

1. The Department of Environment Quality Promotion
2. The Tambol Administrative Organization
3. Raja Mongkhla Technological Institute, Nakhornsithamarat Campus
4 . Prince of Songkhla University
5. Help Age International

Anticipated results of project:

1.There emerge 4 women?s group with 80 members active in carrying out local approaches
2.There emerge network of women with right capacity to manage community business in 4 villages
3.Approximately 120 ha of mangrove forest is rehabilitated