Mangrove forests see big growth
Thailand’s mangrove forests have increased by more than 200,000 rai, raising the total mangrove coverage to 1.73 million rai, according to Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa. Citing satellite data showing the extent of mangrove forests in 24 coastal provinces, Mr Varawut said these provinces have showed a positive change in mangrove forest coverage as compared to data in 2014. In the 2014 assessment, mangrove forests stood at 1.53 million rai.
The satellite data was provided by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) which works with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) in tracking changes of mangrove forest in the coastal provinces.
