Youth Power against Global Warming by Promotion of Seagrass Learning

Objectives

1) To monitor ecological status of seagrass in project location to be used in demarcation of community conserved area
2) To launch campaign, add value and merit of seagrass through activities, nature classroom and eco-tourism

Background

Tung Nang Dam Coastal and Marine Resources Protection Group: Founded as a conservation group following participating in the mangrove conservation training organized by Mangrove Development Station 17. Successive workshops on surveying and monitoring seagrass, organized by IUCN and Phuket Coastal Research and Development Centre led to the group activities on seagrass status nearest to community (so called “seagrass in front of the house) since 2007.The activities had resulted in successful demarcation and management of seagrass in front the houses attracting attention of local administrative organizations towards sustainable natural resource management.

Target beneficiaries

110 out of 223 households in project location who earn living through fishery. The per capita income is THB 48,000.

Outputs

Expected Outputs

Accomplishments and challenges

1) The sustainable activities of youth group toward knowledge transfer
2) Participation of 4 villages for planning conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, i.e. tropical forest, beach forest, peat swamp forest, savanna, mangrove etc. on Koh Prathong was a priority, by addressing the case study to regulate the plan
3) The communities need to have awareness and a follow-up plan on the situation and impacts of tourism investment, land exploitation and governmental project on Koh Prathong area
4) Weather condition was not supporting the project activities some time and caused a delay, especially in monsoon season. Congregating children for activity was rather difficult

Contributions to cross-cutting themes

Climate change

Throughout the project, both male and female were encouraged to discuss and share what they want to achieve in the project.

Communication

Poster on knowledge related to seagrass was produced through the community’s learning center. 

Lessons Learned

1) The project referred to sectorial cooperation, as well as the youth group itself, as the most important factor leading to success. Direct confrontation with those who disagreed with the project should be avoided
2) Working with the youth need understanding about their capacity and limitation such as individual perception, interest, and responsibility by having them participate in project activities and make them as enjoyable as possible. Do not put pressure on them with high expectation and heavily academic substance, however, they should know the project goal and try to practice towards the goal
3) Importantly, building the capacity, learning and awareness for youths/students on holistic ecosystem made them perceive conditions/status of natural resources in the future and capable of initiating resources management plan
4) Some tools and IT devices were somehow essential for field activities, namely camera, GPS. The activity planning should be considered beforehand