On August 16, 2024, Maison Development Co., Ltd., led by its executive team and over 60 employees, conducted the CSR activity “Seed Bombing Reforestation.” This initiative aimed to conserve the environment and promote sustainability within the community. Given the company’s vision, which involves land development that often necessitates the removal of trees, this CSR activity was organized to emphasize the importance of reforestation and the environmental impact of such developments. The event took place at Ban Tham Suea, Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi Province.
History of Ban Tham Suea
Ban Tham Suea is a small village nestled in the valley of the upper Phetchaburi River, spanning over 4,000 rai of lush and verdant forested land. The village is surrounded by dense, mature trees and lies amidst natural beauty, with the Phetchaburi River flowing through the area, contributing to the moist environment of the community forest.
The Ban Tham Suea community forest covers an area of 4,821 rai and has been designated as a community forest since the fiscal year 2009. The forest management plan aligns with the Community Forest Act of 2019 and involves participatory management. Local stakeholders work together to address issues, set visions, goals, and management strategies to accommodate community tourism. The forest is governed by specific regulations established by the community.
Management efforts involve collaboration with various agencies, including the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), and other governmental and private organizations. Activities focus on forest conservation, such as monitoring forest areas, reforestation, expanding green spaces, building water retention check dams, and fostering a new generation that cherishes and protects the forest. The initiatives also aim to improve the living conditions of the local community.
Tree Bank Project: Forest Restoration and Creating Value for Planted Trees
The richness of the environment in Ban Tham Suea is a key factor leading to the Tree Bank Project, an initiative born from the collaboration of the community and strong local leaders. The project’s goal is to restore forests and create value from the planted trees. These trees can be used as collateral for loans, helping to alleviate debt issues among farmers in Ban Tham Suea.
Mr. Suthep Pimsi, a member of the Ban Tham Suea Community Forest Committee, highlighted that besides the community forest, Ban Tham Suea is a riverside community with abundant resources and a strong focus on tourism and environmental development.
Tourists can participate in activities like shooting “seed bullets” to help the community create green spaces. This innovative tree planting activity involves molding clay with seeds and using slingshots to distribute the seeds, which will eventually grow into forests in the future.