Engaging Thai Youth in Protecting Threatened Ecosystems

Mae Sa-Kog Ma UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve near Chiang Mai, Thailand - January 2014. From January 15 to 17, USAID's Lowering Emissions in Asia's Forests project, in collaboration with the Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, organized a youth training camp on water quality and river ecosystem monitoring. More than 30 children from five schools in the Mae Sa Catchment area, part of the Mae Sa-Kog Ma UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve near Chiang Mai, gained firsthand knowledge about riparian health and water quality testing. The Mae Sa Catchment provides valuable natural resources to surrounding communities and business operators. However, as the Reserve's resources are increasingly exploited, they are showing signs of degradation, including sedimentation and water shortages. The training built awareness and appreciation for a healthy catchment. After the training, each school will continue activities to monitor water quality and ecosystem health. Photo by Somsak Soonthornnawaphat