The Banthad Range is the major waterhed area supplying water to water bodies in 4 surrounding provinces and the Songkhla Lagoon.The original area was about 144,000 ha 30 years ago and reduced to 112,000 ha at present. Of this present figure, about 50,000 ha is in Pattalung Province.

It become evident that the Songkhla Lagoon become shallow at an average depth of 1 m. and the quality of the water was degraded. This seems to be the result of the unscrupulous utilization of land area and natural resources in the range.There have been a big demand for land for agriculture and subsequently chemical sustance to raise the yields. Also, the government policy that focuses and encourages more on industry is causing environmental problems.The immediate example is the concession of 4 stone/rock grinding factories in one district of Pattalung, which is against the will of local people.

Therefore, the enviromental problems are of various levels starting from the policy-making down to grass-root level.But what this project gives priority to and regards as vital factors is the awareness of local people.This awareness is the foundation upon which the responsibilites for protection and conservation of environment and natural resources are built.

The main process for creating understanding and awareness is to promote the learning process among local people so that they realize the nature of the problems, the prevailing situation and the appropriate approaches.

The principal approach is to encourage local people to establish community-based organization to oversee the management of natural resources and environment in their respective areas: trying to promote forest agriculture rather than mono-culture type, reducing the rate of chemical application, launching campaigns to regulate daily consumption.

Youths and students are potential groups as they are in susceptible years of age without any hidden interest or benefits.They are the very group to substantially build up society. Psychologically, as parents live their lives for their children, thoughts and activities of children are thus affecting the parents tremendously.

Activities to be carried out under project:

1. Organizing 3 campings ,during vacation, for youths and other interested population.There are about 30 selected youths for each camping.
2. Conducting training on environmentally-friendly occupation, promoting the experiment/trial and rehabilitate the pattern of agricultural practice which have origins from local approach consistent with appropriate management of environment and energy
3. Organizing seminars study tour aiming to encourage the learning process from resources and experienced perons in the aspect of environmental and energy management
4. Producing disseminating materials such as document, leaflets, exhibition, fork art, village library, and demonstrating plot

Project participants and/or beneficiaries:

1. Youths about 80-100 persons from 8 districts of Pattalung Province,especially young women who , residing in the rual area, have not had chance for formal education,
2. Youths from formal educational system of 10-15 schools totaling about 100-150 in number
3. Teachers, monks and other interested population , about 10-50 in number
4. General youths outside project location or women?s group who are interested in participating, about 30-50 in number


Anticipated results of project:

1. About 90-100 youths gain insight and realize the environment situation.This is a foundation for their future roles as leaders in rehabilitating and conserving their environment.
2. There emerges a network of youths from 10-15 schools ,100-150 students in number ,who will ,hand in hand carry out creative environmental activities.
3. There emerges an open forum for natural resources, environment,education,culture etc.,for interested persons such as teachers, monks, community leaders, government officials and businessmen.
4. At least interest 30 youths are actively participating in the process of solving the environmental problems through various activities of the project or communities.