Mangrove restoration plan approved for Sirinart Rajini forest
A mangrove restoration plan has been approved for the Sirinart Rajini Mangrove Forest, with officials proposing a 4.9 million baht budget to address water system issues and support long-term ecological recovery.
The plan was confirmed on 29 April 2026 by Mr Ram Singhasophit, District Chief of Pran Buri, following a meeting of the Sirinart Rajini Mangrove Forest Ecosystem Learning Centre network. The meeting, held at the Wind Dham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas, brought together representatives from government agencies, the private sector, local communities and conservation groups.
Among those in attendance were Mr Chatchanarin Chatchawongwan of the Marine and Coastal Resources Office 3 in Phetchaburi, Mr Somdet Nakdee of the Ban Khlong Kao mangrove conservation group, Mr Juea Khaeyai representing the Pak Nam Pran fishing community, and Ms Jirawan Boonrit, Deputy Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Prachuap Khiri Khan Office.
Mangrove restoration plan focuses on water circulation
The mangrove restoration plan centres on improving water circulation within the forest, which has been identified as a key factor in the degradation of the ecosystem. Officials said the project will involve dredging canals, creating new water channels and installing culverts at three locations where roads currently obstruct natural water flow.
Funding of more than 4.9 million baht has been proposed from the Environmental Fund for the 2027–2028 fiscal years. In addition, PTT Public Company Limited has been asked to contribute a further 500,000 baht to support the works.
If completed as planned, the project is expected to rehabilitate a significant area of mangrove forest, improving conditions for wildlife and encouraging the return of water bird species. Officials said this would help restore ecological balance and strengthen the area’s role as a natural habitat.
The proposal was approved in principle during the meeting.
Alongside the restoration work, officials also outlined 22 projects under the centre’s 2026 management and development plan. These have already been approved by the Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
Several initiatives are linked to tourism, including the development of biodiversity-based tourism under the “Bio Pran” programme. Planned activities include forest bathing experiences, community-based fishing tourism routes, and efforts to secure Thai tourism standards certification for kayaking activities.
The Sirinart Rajini Mangrove Forest Ecosystem Learning Centre remains one of the province’s key environmental learning sites. It has received national recognition, including the Thailand Tourism Award and the STGs Star award, and has recently been nominated for the 2026 “Khirikhan Guarantee” award.
