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The Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume IV - 2012 74  Mangrove rehabilitation: Mangrove forests in Thailand previously covered an area of approximately 2.96 million rai or 312,700 ha in 1997. However latest surveys in 2004 found that only 1.46 million rai or 233,700 ha of mangrove habitat remained, revealing an almost 50% depletion in area in less than 20 years. In order to maintain mangrove ecosystem functioning and health, sustained bene fi ts for local communities, economy of the country and natural disaster risk prevention, the re-establishment of mangrove habitat is urgently required. Currently, the government has set up a proper mangrove rehabilitation programme that is targeting the improvement of at least 5,000 rai or 800 ha per annum. There are large potential areas for rehabilitation, particularly abandoned shrimp ponds, mudflats and degraded mangrove areas. Today, mangrove rehabilitation is being practiced with close participation among all stakeholders as illustrated in Figure 17. Since the initiation of the rehabilitation programme, significant establishment of mangrove habitat has been achieved, particularly in abandoned shrimp ponds (Kato et al. 2008) (shown in Figure 18) and along the coastlines. Figure 17: Participation of Stakeholders in mangrove rehabilitation Figure 18: Mangrove rehabilitation in abandoned shrimp ponds Mangrove protection: Mangrove protection is one of the most important activities needed for preserving existing ecosystems. Although protection efforts in the past by government and local communities have not been entirely successful, current efforts which are occuring with close participation among stakeholders have been successful in protecting mangroves. There are many examples of best practices in different areas for mangrove protection, in particular of Pred nai village which is situated in Trad Mangroves … Coastal Treasure of Thailand