Survivors in Krabi's Koh Lanta and Nua Klong districts lost their jobs and families to the tsunami of late 2004, but they have since learned to appreciate their mangrove forests and natural resources, and how best to use them to protect the ones they love.

The huge waves at Baan Ta Klong in Tambon Koh Klang swallowed up the mother of Ruangdej Klongdee, 32, while his father was saved by a mangrove forest.

That made Ruangdej decide to rehabilitate the 875 rai of mangrove forests in the area, starting with the 35 rai in the village that took a direct hit. Most of the villagers agreed with his idea, so they helped plant the trees and set the rules on how to use them.

With support from the government and civil organisations, they have now completed replanting 15 rai.

"If someone needs to cut down one tree, he must plant 10 in compensation," he said. "However, villagers now don't want to cut the trees, as they've begun to love them as they take care of them themselves." Now the forests are used to set up crab, clam and fish farms instead. Aquaculture not only earns them some income, but also allows them to do things together with their families and friends near their homes.

Before the tsunami, most of the villagers left for neighbouring Andaman provinces for fisheries work.

"Shrimp farmers who used to destroy the forest with their backhoes don't dare intrude into the forest any more, as they've learned that the villagers are protecting it here," Ruangdej said. The backhoes were used to clear the forest for shrimp ponds. They destroyed the mangroves as they encroached into their habitat.

Later this month, community development organisations from other tambon in the province will meet him to learn about the project.

Theerasak Mas-osot, 20, grew up with an abundance of mangroves in Nua Klong's Baan Taling Chan. But as time went by, he saw the forest degraded by shrimp farming and destroyed by capitalists. He saw reforestation as a great opportunity to clean up his village.

Theerasak went to see the projects in Phang Nga and sought advice from community leader Boonnam Borna. They went to see the project at Baan Nam Khem in Phang Nga.

The village later received financial support and know-how from the Raks Thai Foundation, a member of CARE International.

The plan was to plant 50,000 mangrove trees to cover the village's public area. Since April 15, 2005, they have cleaned up the waste and ruins left by the waves, built growing sheds and planted 6,000 trees. Another batch of 2,000 saplings is being prepared.

At first, five of Theerasak's friends helped out. The group is now 15 as families and friends became interested.

The youths, aged 15-23, collect seeds and plant them. It takes three to four months before the seeds are ready. On World Environment Day this June 5 and on the birthdays of Their Majesties the King and Queen, the villagers will gather to plant the trees.

They have a meeting at the cultivation hut on the 12th of each month.

In their free time, the children ride around the village to check on the trees. They take samples and ask adults about the plants. They then know more about local herbal wisdom and want to preserve the natural resources they have.

Boonnam said they planned to green 600 rai in the area.

The shrimp farms they might not be able to chase away, but they hope there will at least be different and separated waterways for the shrimp farms.

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation