H.E. Ms. Katja C. Nordgaard, visited Pred Nai village in Trat to learn firsthand of the community’s achievement in sustainable mangrove forest management. Pred Nai village is well-known for its unique, community driven endeavor spanning over two decades, to regenerate 1,920 hectare of severely depleted coastal mangroves from the devastating effect of 40 years of logging and shrimp farming. It is estimated that the forest absorbs 1,205 tons of carbon dioxide per year. The project, aimed at protecting and restoring the mangroves, it is recognized as being a key example of how to combating climate change.
Meeting with Pred Nai community and local government representatives at Ban Nam Chieo Sub-district, Ms. Nordgaard emphasized the importance of the project in saying that “The Norwegian government places high importance on combating the effects of climate change and protecting the environment by also involving local communities. The success of the Pred Nai village project is important, not just for your economic well being, but also for future generations. The work you are doing here should be replicated in other places.”
However, the president of Pred Nai Mangrove Conservation and Development Group stated that challenges remain and that the village is now facing new challenges from climate change, and that they need more technical and institutional support.
The Center for People and Forest (RECOFTC) is working with community organizations in 6 sub-districts in Trat provice to conserve and regenerate 5,000 hectares of mangrove forest. The project is part of the comprehensive 30 NOK million Mangroves for the Future (MFF) project implemented in countries affected by the 2004 tsunami. Both MFF and RECOFTC are supported by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad).
