Destruction of the tropical swamp forest ecosystem and its possibility for rehabilitation : An ecological case study in Thailand

Abstract

Southeast Asia has vast areas of peat swamp. We will focus on the tropical swamp forest in Thailand from the ecological point of view and consider possibilities for establishing a sustainable land use system, through the restoration of the natural ecosystem. As the tropical peat soil has traditionally been considered sterile and has a short history of agricultural usage, there is little know-how about sustainable land utilization through agriculture and silviculture. Based on studies and experience in Thailand, the degradation process of the ecosystem and its rehabilitation possibilities will be discussed in this paper.