สำนักงานราชบัณทิตยสภา

The Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume IV - 2012 60  Introduction “His Majesty the king with wary heart has said to me that he has been trying his best to stop people from destroying the mangrove forests. I myself do not understand at fi rst why His Majesty has to be so concerned. His Majesty also told me that the mangrove forests served as refuges for larvae and small fi shes, shrimps and crabs to reside in when they were not strong enough to defend themselves. Mangrove forests served as the coastal nursery which in time would provide the fi shery resources for us all. Nowadays the mangrove forests were encroached upon by sel fi sh people who destroyed the whole forests. This has been going on for a long time. His Majesty the king has tirelessly fought to save the precious mangrove forests by trying to buy back some of these forests. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn also fought alongside with His Majesty the King trying to save the mangrove forests” Her Majesty the Queen Sirikit’s speech on the occasion of Her Majesty’s Birthday on Saturday 11 th August 2008 at Sala Dusitalai, Dusit Palace, Bangkok Mangrove forests in general grow along coastlines in most tropical and sub-tropical countries. They also grow on sheltered shores of deltas and alongside river estuaries and creeks where there is an abundance of muddy soils within the inter-tidal zone. Mangroves are among the most significant and highly productive coastal ecosystems. They support a diversity of fl ora and fauna of marine, fresh water and terrestrial species. Mangroves play a vital role particularly in the lives of people living in coastal areas. They also contribute towards national development by providing various bene fi ts, goods and ecosystem services. Wood from mangroves can be used for making charcoal, domestic fuel, poles, wood-chips, tannin, wood tar and construction materials. Fruits, propagules and young leaves of some mangrove species are edible and can be consumed. Certain species of mangroves can also be used for medicinal purposes. Mangrove forests also play a signi fi cant ecological role by Mangroves … Coastal Treasure of Thailand