Intrepid tall growth adventures
As Intrepid prepares for this month’s 10th Annual Tree Planting Day in Australia, we’re excited to report on another special planting day. Our Thailand Responsible Travel Coordinator, Nai, writes…
“In 2007 a wildfire went through part of Doi Suthep National Park, near Chiang Mai. The best way to restore the forest is replanting and the proven way to protect the forest after revegetation is with wide community participation. To help make this happen The Intrepid Foundation recently donated US$2,500 towards the propagation and planting of 1000 trees, through Chiang Mai University’s Forest Restoration Research Unit (FORRU).
On June 18, with the cooperation of local villagers, 122 people came out for an early 7am start and planted 1400 trees in Doi Suthep Natural Park. Volunteers included Chiang Mai University students, Chiang Mai city officials, members of the Royal Project of Thailand and other local groups. It was a fantastic day of collaboration and everyone was inspired by what was achieved.
Two weeks later, FORRU’s staff measured and compared the height of the trees from the first day of planting. So far so good! They will continue measuring, checking and caring for the trees every 8 weeks for the first 18 months. If the trees survive that time they will be in good shape for the rest of their lives. Meanwhile, the local people will keep their eyes on and look after this forest, because they have a deep understanding that the trees are very important to their own community.”
It’s The Intrepid Foundation’s aim to continue to support reforestation in Thailand and with the help of Intrepid travellers in the region we look forward to the projects growing tall and strong!
The Intrepid Foundation – travellers making a difference
Help support many great grassroots organisations via the Intrepid Foundation, plus find out how your donation can be matched* by Intrepid Travel!
* Donations will be matched by Intrepid Travel up to AU$5000 (or equivalent) per donor and a total of AU$400,000 each financial year.
