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Building coastal resilience to reduce climate change impact in Tambon Klong Prasong, Amphur Muang, Krabi province, Thailand

Summary of Adaptation Challenge

Baan Klong Prasong in Krabi province is a small fisheries community, located on a medium size island, a low-lying land adjacent to the Andaman Sea in the Southern part of Thailand. The Western part is connected to the Krabi estuary. The community is located along the Andaman coastline with the lowest point being the rice paddy field area in the middle of the community. The rainy season runs from June until November. Monsoon winds have major effects on the community all year. People mainly make their living from fisheries and tourism. The Baan Klong Prasong Community has encountered the challenge of coastal erosion for years. Fluctuations in sea levels, that occur heavier and more frequently in and off season, lead to giant waves hitting the community and causing damages of houses and fishery tools. This situation puts a real threat on the existence of the community.

Methodology

CARE project staff and governmental and community representatives conducted a “Climate Vulnerability and Capacity Analysis” to gain information on climate change impact on livelihoods and existing adaptation strategies in target communities. Based on these findings adaptation projects with communities and local government were designed. A feasibility study was conducted to ensure that interventions are climate smart. Local government is additionally trained in budgeting to be able to integrate best adaptation practices into development plans. Experiences are then shared among Indonesian and Thai stakeholders and CARE staff to increase knowledge.

Adaptation options

In response to the increasing erosion the community decided to build bamboo fences, which slow down waves and enable gaining of soil sediment – preconditions for mangrove cultivation. Within the fenced zone mangrove seedlings, protected from strong wind and waves, can grow.

Key messages

The bamboo fences have positive, natural and social impacts. They protect the cultivation of mangrove trees behind the fences and increase the sediment which leads to a higher population of seashells. Communities create learning forums and establish collaborative networks and partnerships to talk, discuss and plan solutions to the challenges they are facing.

Lessons learnt

Involving communities in the mangrove plantation creates ownership and raises their awareness of the importance of coastal mangrove forests in terms of disaster risk reduction. It is important that all stakeholders clearly understand the advantages of bamboo fencing and the conversation area, in which marine habitat is increasing, to follow the local regulations on the use of the protected area.

Partners

Klong Prasong Tambon Administrative Office

Krabi Province Administrative Office

Mangrove Action Project

Related resources

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