"Nothing is too hard if we dare to take action"

What does a mangrove forest mean to you?

Talking about a mangrove forest, many people are reminded of the sea and lush nature that is full of beautiful exotic foliage, florals, and fruits. Some think of a mangrove forest as a fertile source of aquatic and land animals, especially a variety of birds, and a perfect sightseeing place as well as a learning site.

A mangrove forest is a far-more valuable natural resource as it is the nursery, sanctuary, and habitat of various aquatic lives. To villagers living close to it, a mangrove forest does not only provide them with food sources and raw materials that can be used to make roofs, cooked as food, and used for wrapping Thai sweets but also serves as a natural shield that protects them from high waves and strong winds, as well as reduces coastal erosion.

Growing up in a coastal community, Arun, or Jack, 17, a World Vision Thailand’s sponsored child knows well how a mangrove forest has benefitted community members. Unfortunately, the mangrove forest area is diminishing as an impact of economic growth. Without reforestation or conservation, the mangrove forest may vanish from the community one day. Despite that realization, he had no idea how to raise the awareness of everyone in the community.

An opportunity has come after his constant participation in youth life skills development training that provides him with ideas and various skills, including leadership, collaboration, speaking, building confidence, and writing project proposals. Jack is eventually accepted by his peers as a World Vision youth leader in Khura Buri, Phang-nga. He, along with other youth leaders, has initiated the Mangrove Reforestation Project. 

The youth-led initiative has been well responded to by more than 100 community leaders and members of Ban Bang Iang and Ban Bang Daet who have participated in the community mangrove reforestation.

Jack reveals his feeling, “I used to think that making an initiative possible was difficult but once I joined youth development activities and started to apply the skills I gain in the project, it turns out not as difficult as I anticipated. I believe that every success does not just happen. It takes some determination to take the first step and walk toward the goal. My friends and I would like to thank sponsors for your continued support and thank World Vision Thailand for equipping us with essential knowledge and skills that help enhance our life skills.” 

“From now on, the community members will help take care of the mangrove forest together so that we will benefit from it in the long run. My friends and I are glad that we have successfully pulled this project off. This has given us more confidence in writing project proposals and doing more for the greater good,” continued Jack.