Alternatively, families traveling from Cha-am Beach can spend their time exploring sustainable development sites within the region established under the initiatives of King Majesty. Most of the projects were set up on degraded land and forests, working with agricultural approaches to sustain livelihoods and showcase ways to treat wastewater. There are plenty of themes to select and combine with sites that are closest to members and readily accessible provided with enough time.
Begin with the soil and forests of Cha-am
First is Huai Sai Royal Development Study Centre for Environment and Sustainable Tourism where families can go to explore ways of land and environment restoration. The Centre was born out of the initiative of King Rama IX on 5 April 1983 when he officially opened Huai Sai Royal Development Study Centre as an environmental conservation centre and for ways to sustain livelihoods there, encompassing subjects of reforestation, water resources and soil conservation by utilizing vetiver grass for instance in soil and water conservation.
Also learn about the environment conservation of Khao Nang Phanthurat, Cha-am’s forest reserve better known as Khao Chao Lai Yai, a royally-initiated conservation and restoration project. Venture into the mountains to study and explore landscapes, along routes that range from easy strolls to more demanding treks, open to visitors at times fixed in advance.
From resource management to livelihoods
For those interested in farming life, the Hub Kapong and Don Khun Huai Royal Intention Projects offer insights into housing, farmland, and the formation of cooperatives. These topics provide a way to understand community development alongside opportunities to earn a living. To explore agriculture in greater depth, consider the Princess Srinagarindra Garden Project in Cha-am, which studies integrated farming and New Theory Agriculture. Alternatively, visit the Chang Hua Man Royal Initiative Project in Tha Yang district to learn about an integrated approach to agriculture that brings together local economic crops within one site.
Explore the coast and learn about water management
Take a short stroll around the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park within Rama VI Camp in the Cha-am area to learn more about natural resources, the environment and ways to save energy. A family can take an easy stroll through mangrove forest learning about roots of trees growing in the soil and in water, and then go back and share what they have learned about what they saw. Groups would need to contact the park in advance to arrange activities for them.
Field Crop and Horticultural crops such as rice, are grown and demonstrated at the Field Crop and Horticultural crops Demonstration Centre Project which is located in Tha Raeng subdistrict. The Model Sea Farm Project, in Laem Sub-district is another possibility for study visits. As before, prior notification and enquiries will be necessary.
Laem Phak Bia Environmental Research and Development Project in Laem Phak Bia Sub-district is another place for learning about managing community waste. Treatment wastewater ponds use sedimentation,retention and biological processes. The natural ways for treating wastewater need very careful planning and monitoring to sustain its efficiency.
You do not need to visit every site in one trip. Choose what you would like to learn about then group the places by location and the time you have available. Before travelling, confirm each project’s opening days, which areas you can visit, and any visitor requirements. Leave time to listen and ask questions, so the trip offers both an enjoyable experience and something to reflect on when you return home.
