A project for plants as well as for people
The "Golden Triangle" is the name given to the watershed area where the "Hill Tribes Forestry & Agroforestry" project in Thailand focuses. Mae Na Wong, Nam Kohk, Mae Ta Chang, and Mae Yang Mint are located in northern Thailand, very close to the border with Myanmar. Despite their location in these watersheds, hill tribal communities struggle with water scarcity. The use of chemicals in crop cultivation, as well as erosion and storms, has also resulted in the loss of many trees. Furthermore, the area has a long history of violence and exploitation of ethnic minorities. To ensure both water supply and plant restoration, this special project involves training and involvement of the local community.
Image: local farmer plants tree seedling
A community act for a better future
Planting trees and promoting sustainable forestry and agroforestry in a country is most successful when the local population is involved. Therefore, this project places particular emphasis on training local farmers in practical methods. The local community is taught how to build and maintain cisterns for villages and individual families, as well as dams. Especially during the rainy season, these dams prevent harmful runoff, reduce erosion, and increase water availability, while providing habitats for birds, fish, amphibians, and many other animals and plants. Farmers are also empowered to establish and maintain productive, sustainable, and community-based tree nurseries, with seedlings planted on farms and community land.
Image: Villagers from Northern Thailand
What is set by oneself is more likely to be protected
The tree species and locations will be selected by community members and smallholder farmers based on their needs and preferences. The project goal is to plant 18,600 trees. By motivating and actively involving the local population to think long-term, they will take care of the trees sustainably over time. But the project doesn't end there; it will continue, and by the end of 2025, around 1,100 families will have planted 1.3 million trees, working in 56 community forests, and restoring 188,900 hectares.
Image: Project area in Thailand
Together for a greener world
Our commitment to the environment goes beyond planting trees. We believe in the power of community and that together we can make the world a better place. Would you like to get involved? For every NIKIN product you buy, we plant a tree. Together we're making the world greener – #treebytree!
