สำนักราชบัณฑิตยสภา

«“√ “√ √“™∫— ≥±‘µ¬ ∂“π ªï ∑’Ë Ú˜ ©∫— ∫∑’Ë Û °.§.-°.¬. ÚıÙı π‘ ∑ Õ— °…√·°â « ¯Ò˜ Abstract Mangroves : Coastal Resources that Need to be Conserved Sanit Aksornkoae Associate Member, the Academy of Science, the Royal Institute, Thailand Mangrove forests and their ecosystems are restricted to tidal areas of the tropical belt of the world. In Thailand, mangroves occur on sheltered muddy shores and low-lying bogs of river and stream estuaries along the banks of the Gulf of Thailand and on the west and east coasts of peninsu- lar Thailand. The current extent of mangrove forests is approximately 1.05 million rais or 168,000 hectares (ha). Mangrove forests provide several essential resources and services and play a very important role in the lives of the people and the economy of the country. Mangroves are rich in biological diversity including many varieties of flora and fauna; these living organisms consist of specialized plants and animal species well adapted to the unique condi- tions of mangrove ecosystems. During the last decade, a considerable number of research papers regarding the survey of flora and fauna of mangrove forests in Thailand have been published. More than 70 species of plants, including trees, shrubs, palms, ferns, epiphytes and algae, can be found in mangroves. Various kinds of fauna, including shrimps, fishes, crabs, molluscs, mammals, reptiles, birds, insects and microorganisms, are also abundant in this ecosystem. During the last two decades, mangrove forests in Thailand have been severely damaged either intentionally or as a result of other activities. Bearing in mind that the most densely populated areas of the country are in the coastal zone, this has led to an increased demand for food, fuel, resettle- ment areas, building materials, urbanization and land for agriculture in mangrove ecosystems. Con- version of mangrove forests to aquaculture (shrimp ponds) is the most important threat to man- groves. It has been estimated that mangrove areas have decreased from 180,559 ha in 1989 to 167,582 ha in 1996. However, a survey in the year 2000 showed that the mangrove forest increased about 40,000 ha owing to a large-scale national rehabilitation program and strong public participation in planting, protecting and conserving mangrove areas. The Government of Thailand is aware of the important role of mangroves. There are many important activities leading to a sustainable utilization and conservation of mangrove resources. To date, four main activities to be developed and implemented immediately regarding the National Mangrove Forest Policy are Research/applied knowledge; Restoration/protection; Awareness/educa- tion; and Demonstration/sustainable management systems. However, public participation and law enforcement are also crucial factors in mangrove conservation. Key words : mangrove, coastal resource, conservation çªÉ “™“¬‡≈π„Àâ °”‡π‘ ¥À≈“¬™’ «‘ µ ‚ª√¥Õ¬à “§‘ ¥∑”≈“¬é