Governor of Ranong brings a big crowd to Laem Son National Park

The International Weltand Day at Laem Son National Park focused on the link between wetland health and climate change adaptation. Governor Wanchat Wongchaichana of Ranong and Chairman of Wetland International Day joined the crowds of nearby primary and secondary school students on February 2, 2010. Around 500 youth and adults joined the day of activities honoring wetland. Below, you see the governor accepting a basket from Somsak Soonthornnawapha, Thailand Programme Manager with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, filled with handicrafts from Ban Talae Nok and community partner villages.

The event showcased exhibitions by variety of organizations, a play about the wetland environment, and a forum regarding wetland habitat in the area and how climate change will affect it in the futre.The National Park released 50 sea turtles and 10,000 white snapper during the culminating group event, designed to raise awareness about key species that are vital to wetland and marine health.

Along with other wetland areas in Rangong, the Laem Son National Park officially became part of Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Site) in August 2002. The park is shaded by a mixture of mangrove and fir trees, transitioning into sandy white beach as it nears the ocean. The network of winding paths was dotted with presentation boards from community-based handicraft groups, conservation groups, and educational groups.

Labels: Ban Talae Nok, community, conservation, natural resource management

Experienced Program Manager joins Andaman Discoveries

Claudine Nagiah, UK, has about 10 years of experience with a focus on international development projects and natural resource management. She has been living in Thailand since January 2009, and is planning to be with Andaman Discoveries until November, assisting in the office and on-site at projects.

“My passion is to work in ecotourism and community-based tourism, as it’s an area which I find interesting, varied, challenging and fulfilling. I am looking forward to learning about Andaman Discoveries and Kuraburi, which I hear has some of the best food in Thailand,” said Claudine.

Mimi Cheung, program development manager, said, “Claudine has joined our team at the perfect time. She has extensive knowledge about community development, which will be highly valued as we research new programs to offer our guests. Thank you for being a part of our team, Claudine!”

There are periodic openings for an opportunity to be a part of the AD team. Are you a student or recent graduate eager to gain more hands-on experience? Or are you a professional ready to take a career break, but want to utilize your marketing and business skills? If yes, then Andaman Discoveries wants to hear from you.

Labels: Andaman Discoveries, community-based tourism, ecotourism, international development projects, natural resource management