Saa-paper industry is a traditional paper industry in northern region of Thailand. Saa paper can be used as a raw material for handicraft such as umbrella, note-book,souvenir,etc. The utilization of Saa bark as a raw material for the pulp and paper industry is considered as one of the major potential of pollution source to the environment including air, surface water and ground water, since the process requires some chemical substance and detergent.

The project location is situated along the Song River, an ecological portion of the Yom River and Chao Phraya River draining into the Gulf of Thailand. There are 6 big mills and 200 houses that drain untreated wasted water from manufacturing process into the river. Realizing the potential environmental threat to the river and its ecosystems, the group with its 200 members has initiated the project to modify and manage the manufacturing process, building waste treatment facility and reducing the use of toxic chemicals.

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

1.To build capacity of group members on environmentally-friendly technology for the production of Saa paper
2.To launch campaign and build a ? model mill ? which is environmentally-friendly
3.To disseminate experience and lessons learnt to neighbouring communities and provinces

Activities to be carried out under project:

1.Building a ? model mill ? and installing equipment
2.Building waste water treatment pit with related facility
3.Convening workshop for the target group and other communities residing along the Yom River

Project participants and/or beneficiaries:

1.The direct beneficiary is the 90-member Saa Paper Handicraft Group
2.Phrae Provincial Development Office and Song District Development Office
3.Phrae Provincial Forestry Office
4.Department of Industrial Promotion, Ministry of Industry
5.Kasetsart University
6.Department of Export Promotion , Ministry of Commerce


Anticipated results of project:

1.There emerges one ?model mill? which is environmentally-friendly for other entreprenuers to learn in the area.
2.The capacity on environment protection of the communities in the neighbouring of Song River would be built.