Abstract
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) together with the Marine Biodiversity Research Group of Ramkhamhaeng University have drafted a Thailand coral reef action plan. Secondary data on the status of coral reef, threats and types of use were collected. Various concepts of reef restoration and techniques were discussed in an expert meeting group to formulate a concept of reef restoration for Thailand. The concept and data were then verified and consulted with scientists and stakeholders in 4 coral reef vicinity areas. Following this, the coral reef restoration action plan was drafted and priority areas were identified and then approved by the DMCR coral reef committee. The plan was approved in a final meeting with various stakeholders and government organizations. 96,000rai (153sq.km) of Thailand’s coral reef are categorized into 4 different stages depending on their status threats and type of use. Category 1, in which coral reef is in a degraded status and is used for tourism, was the priority area for restoration. This area includes 24 coral reef sites covering 7,843rai (12.5sq.km). The coral reef restoration plan starts using passive restoration by reducing threats, including tourism, water pollution, sedimentation and fishery, by 4 strategies and 15 measures. Then active restoration by a suitable coral reef propagation technique will be applied.
