IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

The Ranong and Phang Nga Provinces are located in the Nothern region of Thailand along the Andaman coast area. The target area that lies within these two provinces spans approximately 130km and encompasses the Kuraburi and Kapoe watersheds. The region is part of the Tenasserim-South Thailand Semi-Evergreen Rain Forests eco-region (as defined by WWF). This eco-region includes the mountainous, semi-evergreen rain forests of the southern portion of the Tenasserim Range, which separates Thailand and Myanmar, and the numerous small ranges within peninsular Thailand. Also included within the eco-region are the extensive lowland plains that lie between the peninsular mountains. It encompasses a wide range of inter connected habitats that include undisturbed montane forests, dry forests, moist evergreen forest, beach forest, mangrove forests, sea-grass beds, and coral reefs. The region is characterized by rapid changes in habitats over relatively short distances. Distances from undisturbed montane ecosystems to sea-grass ecosystems can be as little as 15km, reflecting a 'reef to ridge' ecosystem.

On the western side of the complex, along the Andaman coast lies one of the largest extents of mangrove forests in Thailand, covering approximately 340km² extending from Ta Kua Pa in Phang Nga Province to the Ka Poe estuary in Ranong Province. The coastal ecosystem is fed by eight main rivers that serve as the link between the upper watershed and coast. Within the near shore coast extensive sea-grass ecosystems of approximately 25km² form the major nearshore marine habitat where 11 of the 12 sea-grass species that occur in Thailand can be found.

The region also serves as important habitat for both marine and terrestrial species that are rare and threatened as classified under global systems, such as the IUCN Red list or CITES. In the marine environment, species include the Dugong (Dugong dugong), Green turtles(Chelonia mydas), and, Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) that use the outlying islands that straddle the coast as nesting sites. Along the upper watershed, the forest complex serves as an important habitat for eight species of Hornbill and the endangered plant species Rafflesia kerrii. In addition, a potentially threatened endemic Water lily (Crinum thaianum) is found within the target areas. The region is also a hotspot for a vast array of orchid species.

A network of protected areas that includes a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a RAMSAR site, three national parks, two wildlife sanctuaries, forest reserves and a no-hunting area are also situated in the region along with community managed areas.

Many of the traditional problems faced in other areas also threaten this region including changes in land use pattens due to economic development, agriculture and other human induced activities have caused damage to ecosystems and local livelihoods.

Human induced activities such as the dredging of rivers, conversion of land from traditional agricultural practices to mono-crops and forest encroachment in the upper watershed, have had an impact on both the ecosystem integrity of the upper watershed as well as that of coastal ecosystems. The increased level of forest degradation caused by changes in land use that affect forest cover outside the protected areas is one of the major terrestrial threats to the region. In addition to all this, illegal hunting has also been identified as a key threat.

The coastal environment in the region faces significant pressure from both upstream activities as well as those that occur with the coast. High competition for fisheries resources is an important driver that has an impact on the aquatic biodiversity and integrity of the marine protected areas within the region. Pollution, sedimentation and development caused by both upstream and downstream activities are some of the other key threats to the integrity of the coastal environment.

The project site extends over a coastal stretch of 130km, and includes the three watershed areas of Kapoe, Kuraburi and Ban Wan. The site stretches from the coast to the mountains, so that a ‘reef to ridge’ approach surmounting ecosystems and looking at landscapes is used throughout the project design and implementation.

The Ka Poe estuary is recognised as a Ramsar site of international significance. Also within the project area are three national parks – Laemson National Park, Sri Phang Nga National Park and Loh Surin National Park – and one wildlife sanctuary, as well as a no hunting area.

There are 1,800 households and 6,500 people in the project area, including 150 stateless persons. The project works with 20 government agencies, including scientific experts, nine tambons (local government unit) in four districts and 32 villages. It engages 170 community leaders and 240 schoolchildren in its activities.