40874 THAILAND ENVIRENVIR NMENTNMENT Public Disclosure Authorized MONITOR 2006 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized www.worldbank.or.th JUNE 2007 Thailand Environment Monitor 2000 Presented a snapshot of general environmental trends in the country. Thailand Environment Monitor 2001 Assessed the status of water quality management. Thailand Environment Monitor 2002 Assessed the status of air quality management. Thailand Environment Monitor 2003 Assessed the status of solid and hazardous waste management. Thailand Environment Monitor 2004 Assessed the status of biodiversity management. Thailand Environment Monitors are available in both English and Thai online at: http://www.worldbank.or.th This document was prepared by a World Bank team composed of Nina Bhatt, Poonyanuch Chockanapitaksa, Anna van der Heijden, Waraporn Hirunwatsiri, Patchamuthu Illangovan, Tanyathon Phetmanee, Nat Pinnoi, Jitendra Shah, Pamornrat Tansanguanwong, Sutthana Vichittrananda and Manida Unkulvasapaul (Task Team Leader). The document was peer reviewed by Marea Hatziolos and Ronald Zweig of The World Bank. Overall management and technical guidance by Ian Porter, Maria Teresa Serra, Magda Lovei, and Dan Biller are gratefully acknowledged. This volume is a product of the staff of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank. The fi ndings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper do not necessarily refl ect the views of the Executive Directors of The World Bank or the governments they represent. 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Thailand Environment Monitor 2006 TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword ii Abbreviations and Acronyms iii Map of Coastal and Marine Resources and Threats iv Priority Areas vi EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: BLUE WATERS IN PERIL 1 CHAPTER 1: THAILAND’S MARINE AND COASTAL RESOURCES: STATUS AND TRENDS 4 Overview 4 Wetlands and Mangroves 4 Coral Reefs 5 Sea Grasses 6 Endangered Species 7 Fisheries and Aquaculture 8 Water Quality and Beaches 10 Freshwater Supply 11 Erosion and Natural Hazards 11 Climate Change 14 CHAPTER 2: MARINE AND COASTAL RESOURCES UNDER PRESSURE 16 Population and Economic Growth 16 Urban and Industrial Development 17 Tourism and Recreation 18 Fisheries and Aquaculture 18 Marine Transportation 20 Extractive Industries and Sand Mining 22 Illegal Activities 22 Towards a Quality of Growth 22 CHAPTER 3: POLICIES, INSTITUTIONS AND MANAGEMENT 24 National and Sector Policies 24 Institutions and Regulations 25 Financial Resources 28 Coastal and Marine Area Management 29 Community and Other Partners 31 CHAPTER 4: CHALLENGES 33 Challenge 1: Coastal Erosion 33 Challenge 2: Fisheries 34 Challenge 3: Area Development 35 Challenge 4: Public Participation 36 Challenge 5: Integrated Management 36 The Way Forward 37 References 38 Glossary of Terms 39 Online Resources 40 Acknowledgements 41 Thailand-at-a-Glance 42 i FOREWORD Exploitation of Thailand’s marine and coastal resources to marine and coastal resources management in Thailand, during the past four decades has harmed the environment including those of the government and local community and affected livelihoods. While the Royal Thai Government, and other non-governmental organizations. Chapter 4, in local community groups, and NGOs have undertaken conclusion, builds on the other chapters to present the main measures to protect and rehabilitate natural habitats, more challenges for sustainable management of these resources effective administration and greater cooperation among key under threat. stakeholders is needed to ensure a sustainable management This Monitor is the outcome of a joint exercise between the of these resources that protects and preserves them for Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), current and future uses. the Offi ce of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy The Thailand Environment Monitor series tracks key and Planning (ONEP), and the World Bank. The data environmental trends in the country. Its aim is to engage and information in this report came from a variety of and inform stakeholders on key environmental changes and sources, including published and unpublished reports of challenges as they occur. This Monitor focuses on marine government agencies, universities, NGOs, individuals, and and coastal resource management, while previous issues international partners. The analysis and consultation for this have provided a benchmark for general environmental Monitor involved several national agencies, academics, civil indicators (2000) and have featured water quality (2001), society, and local community groups. Results from these air pollution (2002), solid waste (2003), and biodiversity consultations are integrated throughout and highlighted (2004). in Chapter 4. This 2006 Monitor consists of four chapters. The first The Tsunami of December 2004 had severe socio-economic describes the current state and overall trends in the and environmental impacts and made all too clear the need environmental quality of Thailand’s marine and coastal for and importance of coastal and marine resources planning resources. Chapter 2 describes the use of these resources and and management. This Monitor underscores that need and the pressures they are under. Chapter 3 gives an overview invites all stakeholders to step up their active participation of the various policies and regulations, institutional in the effective management and stewardship of Thailand’s arrangements, and budget allocations in place that relate marine and coastal resources. H.E. Kasem Snidvongs Ian C. Porter Minister Country Director Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment East Asia and Pacific Region World Bank ii Thailand Environment Monitor 2006 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS BGO Botanical Garden Organization MOInd Ministry of Industry BMA Bangkok Metropolitan Administration MOI Ministry of Interior BOB Bureau of Budget MD Marine Department CBD Convention on Biological Diversity MOAC Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives DASTA Designated Area for Sustainable Tourism MONRE Ministry of Natural Resources and Administration Environment DEQP Department of Environmental Quality MOPH Ministry of Public Health Promotion MOT Ministry of Transport DGR Department of Groundwater Resources MOTS Ministry of Tourism and Sports DIW Department of Industrial Works NESDB Offi ce of National Economic and Social DLD Department of Livestock Development Development Board DMCR Department of Marine and Coastal Resources NSO National Statistical Offi ce DMF Department of Mineral Fuels ONEP Offi ce of Natural Resources and DMR Department of Mineral Resources Environmental Policy and Planning DNP Department of National Parks, Wildlife and OPM Offi ce of the Prime Minister Plant Conservation OPS Offi ce of Permanent Secretary DOA Department of Agriculture PAO Provincial Administrative Organization DOF Department of Fisheries PCD Pollution Control Department DOH Department of Highways PMBC Phuket Marine Biological Center DOL Department of Lands RFD Royal Forest Department DOLA Department of Local Administration RID Royal Irrigation Department DPA Department of Provincial Administration TAO Tambon Administrative Organization DPT Department of Public Works and Town and TAT Tourism Authority of Thailand Country Planning TEI Thailand Environment Institute DWR Department of Water Resources TTD The Treasury Department EGAT Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand UNEP United Nations Environment Program FAD Fine Arts Department WMA Wastewater Management Authority FAO Food and Agriculture Organization WRI World Resources Institute FIO Forest Industry Organization ZPO Zoological Park Organization GDP Gross Domestic Product IUCN World Conservation Union LDD Land Development Department Units: MOC Ministry of Culture 1 rai = 1,600 square meters = 0.16 hectares; MOE Ministry of Energy 1 hectare = 6.25 rai; 1 square kilometer = 625 rai MOF Ministry of Finance Exchange Rate: US$ 1 = THB 39.98 (January 11, 2006) iii MAP OF COASTAL AND MARINE RESOURCES AND THREATS IBRD 35263 Quei Noi R. Quei Nakhon Nayok 104 Yai R. 100° ° Prachin Buri 14° Pathum Thani Kanchanaburi Nonthaburi Nakhon Pathom BANGKOK PAVED DIVIDED HIGHWAYS Chachoengsao Samut Thon Buri Sakhon PAVED NATIONAL HIGHWAYS MYANMAR Ratchaburi Samut Prakan SELECTED OTHER ROADS Samut Songkhram Chon Buri DON HOI RIVERS LOT Phetchaburi PROVINCE HEADQUARTERS UPPER Andaman NATIONAL CAPITAL INNER