UNESCO’s ‘Sustaining Our Oceans’ (SOO) project seeks to preserve Thailand’s largest mangrove ecosystem

UNESCO's 'Sustaining Our Oceans'(SOO) project, launched in April 2024, aims to develop in children a mindset of harmonious living with the ocean and the protection of marine resources. Under the auspices of the SOO project, and as part of a situation analysis on marine conservation education, UNESCO visited Thailand's Ranong Biosphere Reserve in June 2024.

The Ranong Biosphere Reserve, designated as such by UNESCO in 1997, is widely celebrated as the largest mangrove ecosystem in Thailand, boasting over 50 species of mangrove trees. Ongoing research at the local Mangrove Forest Research Center focuses on reforestation efforts and additional conservation methods with schoolchildren and area communities, as well as further studying the carbon sequestration potential of these vital ecosystems.

The UNESCO mission in June was facilitated by the Ranong Mangrove Forest Administration for World Heritage and included visits to four local schools on three islands; three schools in Ranong city; and a Morgan tribe seafaring community on Koh Lao Island. The SOO project emphasizes collaboration with relevant education stakeholders and scientific experts in oceanography, anthropology, botany, mangrove science, and marine science, with local knowledge facilitated through consultations and workshops. Independent technology incubator, FabCafe, of Bangkok, contributes to the project by integrating technology for the creation of engaging educational materials, as well as tech-driven and hands-on activities to further engage participating children. These resources will be utilized in an interactive museum at the Ranong Biosphere Reserve, as well as being deployed in local schools.

'I appreciate the project that will develop educational materials that attract children's attention and for them to learn by playing and doing. At the moment, our schools have only traditional textbooks which sometimes do not capture children's attention or encourage [learning]', stated Dr Yarnvaruth Thirapat, a teacher at Ranong's Ban Bang Rin School.

During the visit's situational analysis, area teachers shared that capturing children's attention in classrooms presents significant education challenges, due largely to distractions from social media, as well as other factors such as poverty and drug use.

'At our school, we have special activities for children to start and end the day with meditation for reflection. There are also school camps for all the children to practice the Eight Precepts of Buddhism. This will build a strong foundation for children to have compassion for all lives, including mangrove trees and marine animals', noted Dr Yarnvaruth.

Local authorities, including those from the Ranong Mangrove Forest Administration for World Heritage Division, Department of Natural Resources and Environment Ranong, and provincial authorities and additional community members are currently gearing up for a UNESCO World Heritage nomination for the Andaman Sea Nature Reserves of Thailand, which is currently on the Tentative List. This initiative seeks to ensure the protection and recognition of the area's unique ecological and cultural significance before any major development projects could be considered.

Nestled along Thailand's picturesque Andaman Sea coastline, Ranong province grapples with waste management challenges that threaten its rich biodiversity and pristine landscapes. The coastal and marine environments are increasingly burdened by plastic waste, discarded fishing gear, and other pollutants carried by sea currents and human activities. Tourism exacerbates the situation, as inadequate waste disposal facilities and practices lead to littering on beaches and in marine waters. Additionally, local fishing communities contribute to debris through unsustainable disposal practices. These challenges undermine the natural beauty that attracts visitors; equally, they pose serious risks to marine life, including endangered species, and disrupt the livelihoods of those reliant on clean waters for fishing. Addressing these waste problems necessitates concerted efforts from government agencies, local communities and tourists to implement effective waste management practices, enhance recycling initiatives, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship.

'We see the significance of the project to start with building the right mindsets of children in Ranong to relate to the mangroves and the ocean so that they feel the ownership to protect and conserve them', said Kittipop Roddon, Vice-Governor of the province.

'We aim to have Ranong Biosphere Reserve as a Learning Mangrove Forest and welcome at least 10,000 children annually to our newly built centre', stated Site Manager Khayai Thongnunui.

Visiting the site, Education Programme Specialist Rika Yorozu, of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, noted 'We hope the project and its outcomes will inspire teachers and children to take action towards sustaining the oceans.'

Ranong is known not only for its lush, expansive mangroves, but also for the warm hospitality of its community, thus making it a perfect site for such a transformative project. The SOO project thus promises to blend education and conservation, ensuring that not only present but future generations understand and cherish the delicate balance between humanity and nature. 'As a representative of Koh Sinhai and Morgan communities, we are very proud of the resources we live with and protect for our communities and the Ranong people. We hold to local wisdom and learn to observe the ocean to live with it in harmony', stated Jongrak Usan, a member of the Sinhai Island community.

Tanu Nannien, Expert Member in the Ranong Coastal and Marine Resources Committee, and Advisor to the Ranong Coastal and Marine Community Participation Task Force, summed up the underlying spirit behind local efforts and the SOO project, noting, 'How we include all the local wisdom and knowledge into the educational materials and activities is crucial so that we can facilitate the transmission of traditional knowledge from one generation to the next.'

The SOO project is implemented in Indonesia, Thailand and Viet Nam, with the generous support of Fast Retailing, Ltd., parent company of UNIQLO.

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