Eden Project and the Forest Restoration Unit, Thailand

Background

The Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in north-west Thailand attracts millions of visitors annual but has also been degraded by slash-and-burn agriculture and tourism use. The Forest Restoration Research Unit has collaborated with scientists and the national park to attempt to restore the degraded land and return it to a rich tropical forest. 

Goals & Approach

The goal of the project is to preserve the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park and its flora and fauna inhabitants, create sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and prevent landslides. Using the framework species method of forest restoration, the project has worked with the community to start a nursery, train in tree propagation, and reforest areas. 

Reported Takeaways

From 2002 to 2010, the project conducted 100 on-site capacity-building events for villagers, established 12 community tree nurseries across northern Thailand, planted 12,500 trees of 50 species, and held three networking workshops for all participating communities.