N. Nirannoot, A. Abdelmaksoud, S. Barrameda, R. Pant, A. Plantilla, B. Shantiko, R. Wijethunga, and Y. Wei Yan
Phetchaburi province, located 120 km south of Bangkok, is celebrated as Thailand's "capital of birdwatching." This vibrant region boasts rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, including coastal areas, mangrove forests, and sandy beaches. It is home to critically endangered species such as the spoon-billed sandpiper and was recognized by UNESCO in 2021 for its creative food culture. Renowned as the country's largest sea salt production area, its landscape features a stunning expanse of shimmering white salt flats.
Despite its natural riches, Phetchaburi faces significant biodiversity challenges, particularly mangrove degradation caused by inadequate funding and competing land uses. A recent UNDP-BIOFIN Thailand study revealed that from 2021 to 2023, the national government allocated $6.28 billion in subsidies to local governments for rigid infrastructure projects in various fragile ecosystems across the country. These projects have negatively impacted river and coastal ecosystems, especially by developing irrigation systems and tourism infrastructure.
However, opportunities to reverse these trends are emerging through robust social enterprises, growing interest from local governments, and strong partnerships with the private sector. On December 4, a finance solution for a Sub-national Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to invest in a sustainable local bioeconomy in Phetchaburi Province was launched at UNESCAP in Bangkok. Delegations from Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka participated in this experience-sharing event.
Happy mangroves, sad mangroves in Mrigadayavan Palace
Photos 1-2: A stark contrast between the deteriorating mangroves in the demonstration center adjacent to the Palace (left image) and the thriving, naturally flourishing mangroves in the freshwater dunes (right photo).
A site visit highlighted efforts to address the adverse impacts of poorly designed subsidies. Historically, the Mrigadayavan Palace, built by King Rama VI in 1924, remained unaffected by coastal erosion. However, this changed after a major typhoon in 1997 raised concerns, prompting the construction of rigid structures such as groins and seawalls. Over the next two decades, these measures exacerbated the erosion problem. Additional interventions, such as planting invasive alien species like Casuarina equisetifolia and introducing Rhizophora apiculata mangroves, further disrupted the ecosystem. These mangroves, reliant on tidal saltwater influx, threatened the Palace's freshwater systems and appeared unhealthy.
Photo 3: The removal of rigid seawalls along the beach at the Palace, making way for a more natural coastal ecosystem.
In response, Ms. Klaomas Yipinsoi, Director of the Mrigadayavan Palace Foundation, collaborated with botanists and marine scientists to document the damage caused by these interventions. They initiated the deconstruction of rigid infrastructure, replacing it with nature-based solutions to restore the beach ecosystem and encourage natural dune formation.
Photo 4: A nature-based solution using zig-zag bamboo walls was introduced, designed to protect and enhance the beach ecosystem.
These efforts have facilitated the resurgence of native plants, creating critical habitats for biodiversity, including the near-threatened Malaysian plover. Dr. Kitichate Sridith, a renowned botanist, led the study alongside Dr. Sara Bumrungsri and a team of scientists. Their continuous work has driven significant changes to policies affecting the Palace's ecosystem.
Photos 5-6: Following the removal of groins and seawalls in front of the Palace, vibrant native plants like Ipomoea pes-caprae and Canavalia rosea have flourished on the newly formed beach. Delicate Malaysian plover eggs now rest on the sand, a testament to nature's gentle recovery.
Photo 7: Klaomas Yipinsoi collaborates with Associate Professor Dr. Kitichate Sridith to halt harmful construction practices and protect the Palace's beach ecosystem.
Previously, the Marine Department had spent $8.4 million constructing rigid infrastructure along the beach. However, scientific evidence presented to the Cabinet led to the allocation of $285,714 for the removal of these harmful structures. This initiative has effectively halted detrimental subsidies and construction projects, paving the way for sustainable, nature-based solutions to thrive.