PEAT SWAMP AND HALA-BALA RAIN FOREST RESEARCH UNIT

The Peat Swamp and Hala-Bala Rain Forest Research Unit was established in 2002 with the collaboration between the National Center for Genetic Engineering Biotechnology (BIOTEC) and the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, with the aim to promote and support the basic research for the conservation and sustainable utilization of Hala-Bala Rain Forest and Toh Dang Peat Swamp Forest.

Activities

1. Research and development to increase basic scientific and socio-economic capacity
The unit focuses on biodiversity and indigenous knowledge for the benefit of local communities with special emphasis on bioresource sustainable utilization and conservation.   Research areas are as follows:

• Biodiversity inventory of flora in Hala-Bala Rain Forest in Narathiwat and Yala province
• Initial density estimates of rare and endangered birds of Hala-Bala forest
• Promotion and propagation of edible and ornamental herb cultivation for Hala-Bala community and neighboring villages
• Taxonomy, ecology and collection of freshwater fungi, yeast and insect fungi of the Hala-Bala Rain Forest and Toh Dang Peat Swamp Forest for bioactive compound screening
• Plant tissue culture for conservation and utilization

2. Occupational development for the well being of the local people
The unit focuses on research and promotion of sustainable agriculture and occupational development beyond agriculture in the local communities by using science and technology.

3. Youth training program for science and forest conservation
The unit focuses on basic community needs and application of knowledge with special emphasis on education and logical thinking skills as a basic tool for occupational and youth development.

4. Coordination and community service center
The center provides technical information on plants for breeding.  It also exhibits community products.  In addition, the center provides facilities for other government offices that are engaged in agricultural technology transfer and training related to eco-tourism development in co-operation with the local Bala community.

Director
Mr. Soonthorn Todam

Consultant
Dr. Chawalit Niyomdham