1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Decision Support for Mainstreaming and Scaling out Sustainable Land Management (GEF-FAO / DS-SLM)

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Land Development Department (Land Development Department) - Thailand

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Centre of Excellence for Soil Research in Asia (CESRA)

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

An urban community forestry park – the “Ked Forest Park” - has been established by a group of people who wanted to conserve and develop resources and the environment in Phra Pradaeng District. Planting and maintenance of indigenous, edible and medicinal plants are carried out.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

The story started with a small group of people in the area of Khung Bang Krachao. These people wanted to conserve the environment and develop resources in Phra Pradaeng District in Samut Prakan Province under an urban community forest park – the “Ked Forest Park”. It is state property land within the Metropolis. The community leader gathered people to conduct activities on the basis of natural resources and environment conservation. Many activities take place. For example, garden beds are cleaned and weeds removed. Planting and maintenance are conducted for indigenous edible and medicinal plants. This also includes collecting seeds of indigenous plants for propagation. Then, these seedlings are transferred to be planted in the forest park of urban communities.
The main purpose of this best practice is to conserve and propagate indigenous plant varieties, to have green areas available in the form of urban community forests for environmental restoration, to prevent and treat soil and water pollution and to make land use sustainable in a brackish water ecosystem. Products are cooked for tourists in the name of "indigenous vegetables, and local food". Apart from being responsible for taking care of conserving soil and water resources and increasing green areas, people in this community also transfer experiences and knowledge. Therefore, Ked Forest Park is considered to be a prototype of developing green-areas by communities. Currently, Suan Pa Ked (Ked Forest Park) is under the supervision of the Royal Initiative and Special Project Bureau, The Royal Forest Department in the form of a green area conservation network. This is promoting the public to participate in managing Khung Bang Krachao green areas in line with the concept of the Royal Initiatives of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. There is cooperation between government agencies, the private sector and educational institutes. The participation of communities is most important because ultimately, the trees which everyone plants, will benefit them.
This area has the capacity to absorb a huge amount of carbon dioxide as reported by the Royal Forest Department. Due to these exceptional ecological benefits, it was recognized as "The Best Urban Oasis of Asia" by the Time Asia magazine in 2006.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.4 Videos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2007

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:

• 10-50 years ago

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through land users' innovation
• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

The technology arises from land users’ innovation and is supported by external interventions and government agencies that acknowledge the value of technology to the community by providing resources, funding and supporting research and development.

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• conserve ecosystem
• preserve/ improve biodiversity
• mitigate climate change and its impacts
• create beneficial social impact

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Yes

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):

• Agroforestry

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• mixed rainfed-irrigated

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• natural and semi-natural forest management
• agroforestry

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• restore/ rehabilitate severely degraded land

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology area

Specify currency used for cost calculations:

• USD

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Main plants refer to local plants in the area, namely plants in mangrove forests which are tolerant to being brackish and salinity of natural water resources for more than 6 months per year. The plants grown are Cerbera odollam, Indian laurel, Bruguiera sexangul, Intsia bijuga, Thespesia populnea, cork tree and Copper pod.
2.	Secondary plants refer to edible plants for fruit trees and plants with edible leaves. These plants are tolerant to brackish conditions and salinity such as tamarind, neem, Cassod tree, Great morinda, Luna nut, Ardisia polycephala
3.	Medicinal plants thriving well under shade of big trees such as Piper Samentosum, Solanum incanum, Pandanus leaf, Cordyline fruticosa, Sea holly

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Deepen the garden ditch in the area of 2.56 ha	Bed	50.0	17.6	880.0	100.0
Equipment	Water pump	Machine	2.0	147.0	294.0	100.0
Equipment	Compost	Tonne	30.0	29.4	882.0	100.0
Equipment	15-15-15 chemical fertilizer	Sack	20.0	29.4	588.0	100.0
Equipment	Lime	Tonne	10.0	88.2	882.0	100.0
Equipment	500 liter plastic bucked	BucKed	5.0	58.8	294.0	100.0
Equipment	Water salinity meter	Machine	2.0	29.4	58.8	100.0
Equipment	8 inch PVC with the length of 3 meters	Piece	3.0	29.4	88.2	100.0
Plant material	Plant varieties including planting labor costs in the area of 2.56 ha	Tree	10000.0	0.15	1500.0	100.0
Other	Materials used in building the nursery including labor costs	Square meters	20.0	29.4	588.0	100.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					6055.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					6055.0

Comments:

External organizations and government agencies contribute by offering essential financial and technical support to local communities.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	weed removal
2.	fertilizer application
3.	tillage
4.	planting for repairing and maintaining trees in the cultivation plot

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Management during planting and maintenance (1 year)	Force	1.0	352.8	352.8	100.0
Other	Electricity costs	USD	12.0	14.7	176.4	100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					529.2
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					529.2

Comments:

External organizations and government agencies contribute by offering essential financial and technical support to local communities.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

1. Labour cost
2. Agricultural materials costs
3. Construction materials costs

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

5.3 Soils

If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

The soil is Samutprakarn soil series (Sm), soil series group 3. The parent material of soil is derived from marine sediments mixing with alluvial sediments. Soil reaction is moderately acidic to moderately alkaline (pH 6.6-8.0). The limitation factor of land-use is saline soil and be flooded by sea water.

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

Yes

Specify:

land-use is flooded by sea water

Is flooding of the area occurring?

Yes

Regularity:

frequently

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

The area features a unique geography and environment, located within a horseshoe-shaped bend of the Chao Phraya River, which forms a natural buffer between urban Bangkok and its surroundings. This distinctive setting fosters a diverse range of aquatic, riparian, and terrestrial ecosystems, supporting a rich array of plant and animal life. Additionally, the region encompasses various habitats, including mangroves and wetlands that serve as vital refuges for numerous bird species, fish, and amphibians. The forested areas, with their abundance of native tree species, provide essential shelter and food for many wildlife species.

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:

• state

Land use rights:

• communal (organized)

Water use rights:

• open access (unorganized)

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Ecological impacts

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

	Season	increase or decrease	How does the Technology cope with it?
seasonal temperature	dry season	decrease	moderately

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• single cases/ experimental

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
This technology contributes to environmental preservation and mitigates the burden of annual land ownership taxes, thereby promoting sustainable land use.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
The technology aids in preserving soil and water fertility, restoring the environment, and sustainably expanding forested areas within urban communities.
Incorporating native plants and maintaining natural habitats can enhance biodiversity.

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
The technology has a relatively low economic return.	Developing land use practices in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and other sectors is crucial.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
The technology significantly impacts the environment, however, its importance is not fully recognized by the community.	It is essential to develop more diverse land use patterns in agriculture, environmental management, and the tourism industry to generate income and ensure sustainable land use.
Low adoption of people around the project plot.	Increase local engagement and interest by host workshops or information sessions to introduce the project, explain benefits, and address any concerns from locals.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Sustainable soil management practices in Asia

URL:

https://e-library.ldd.go.th/library/Ebook/bib10906.pdf