สำนักงานราชบัณทิตยสภา

The Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume IV - 2012 59  Mangroves … Coastal Treasure of Thailand Sanit Aksornkoae 1 Abstract Mangroves are among the most signi fi cant, highly productive and valuable coastal ecosystems of the Kingdom of Thailand. They constitute a rich natural resource including many varieties of fl ora and fauna. Mangroves provide considerable bene fi ts, many goods and many varieties of services which contribute towards national development. Mangroves are an important asset for Thailand as they provide both economic and ecological bene fi ts. Unfortunately, mangroves forests have been rapidly diminishing in the last three decades due to threats from severe degradation occuring from widespread development. However, intensive management of mangrove forests with the integration of ecological and economic approaches has been very effective. Rehabilitation, protection and conservation efforts coupled with stakeholder participation, strong technical support and strict law enforcement has been fully implemented. Under these measures, it is expected that mangroves, which are considered as “Thailand’s Coastal Treasure” can be preserved in the long term where the young generation and the nation as a whole can continue to reap its bene fi ts. Keywords: Mangroves, Coastal treasure 1 Associate Fellow, Academy of Science, The Royal Institute of Thailand Sanit Aksornkoae