Water Resources Development Project at Reforestation Project in Honor of HM the King

During 2005 - 2009, Siam Commercial Bank cooperated with Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage to conduct a Reforestation Project in Honor of HM the King at Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai Province. This effort focused on alleviating poverty, which has been a chief cause of deforestation. The project introduced two royal initiatives: Understand, Reach, Develop, of His Majesty King Rama IX, and Cultivate Forest, Educate People, of Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani. These efforts involved restoration of local forests and natural resources. The projects increased forested areas by 9,730 rai, or 60.42 percent of the project zone, while local incomes rose from 23,700 baht per household per year in 2005 to 127,010 baht per household per year in 2009.

2.4-water-system

These achievements became an important basis for expanding the project to a wider area, i.e., the total area of Thod Thai Sub-District. The focus was on two goals: expanding the conservation and restoration of upstream forests and increasing the availability of  water resources generated. Two water management projects were developed there:

  • A Conservation Weir Building Project constructed one weir for every 45 rai of upstream forest area, building a total of 4,300 weirs in an area of 193,531 rai
  • A Domestic Consumption and Agricultural Purposes Weir Building Project increased the productive capacity of 4,671 rai of agricultural land during the regular growing season and also increased opportunities for off-season farming

The Chiang Rai water resources project is taking place over a three-year period from 2017 to 2019. It will help retain more water in the upstream forest and improve the local quality of life. The population of 1,049 households will end up having a year-round supply of water for their own consumption and will gain income from being able to farm more than a single season. The community is gaining social cohesion as it organizes to better manage the watershed area and its own water resources.

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