Written by : Brionna Hollis
Last March, Students from an international school traveled more than 1,000m above sea level to meet the Hmong tribe of Thailand. Before meeting the people of the tribe, they made a stop at Chiang Mai University Forest Restoration Center to assist in helping the forest go back to its original state. The Chiang Mai University Restoration Unit is an initiative dedicated to the preservation and restoration of forests. The unit works tirelessly to address deforestation and its associated environmental challenges through various activities and projects.
The center conducts extensive research and assessments to understand the ecological status of forests in Chiang Mai. This includes studying biodiversity, soil health, water resources, and the impact of human activities on forest ecosystems. By passing this information to the students, it allows the students to gain insights from multiple perspectives and develop an understanding of ecosystem understanding.
The reforestation projects aimed at replenishing degraded areas and expanding forest cover. This involves planting native tree species, implementing agroforestry techniques, and establishing nurseries to propagate saplings. By participating in these projects, the students learned about sustainable agriculture techniques, land-use planning, and natural resource management strategies that are essential for promoting environmental sustainability.
Chiang Mai University Forest Restoration Center collaborates closely with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of forest conservation and restoration. They empower communities to participate in reforestation activities, providing resources to support sustainable land management practices. The students also learn about traditional ecological knowledge, indigenous practices, and community-based conservation approaches.
The work of Chiang Mai University Forest Restoration Center plays a vital role in safeguarding the ecological integrity of Chiang Mai’s forests, promoting biodiversity conservation, and fostering sustainable development in the region. The students learned about ecology, sustainability, community engagement, and environmental stewardship while making tangible contributions to ecosystem conservation and restoration efforts.