feature Chevron-SPRC volunteers restore the Rayong mangrove forest, drive the “Foster Future Forests project” forward

Over 100 employees of Chevron and SPRC, along with researchers and local community members, gathered to plant hundreds of seedlings using seeds collected from the ‘Phra Chedi Klang Nam’ mangrove forests in Rayong Province. Their hands symbolize the power of collaboration that connects the government, private sector, academia, and community. The pride of both the employees and the community is evident in their hands, knowing they are contributing to the creation of Rayong's "Urban Mangrove Forest", which will thrive in the coming decade and become a significant carbon sink for Thailand.

Every year, Chevron organizes volunteer activities to instill a sense of participation in improving the quality of life. In its latest Together We Volunteer activity, Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd. together with Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC) brought its employees as a One Team to the Foster Future Forests project site, which was launched last year. The project aims to restore the ecosystem in a 100-rai area, which is a unique forest with three types of ecosystems in one place: mangrove forest, beach forest, and freshwater swamp forest. The activity focused on the undeveloped area of the ‘Phra Chedi Klang Nam’ mangrove forest. The goal is to increase green space to absorb carbon dioxide and create long-term economic opportunities and livelihoods for the community through a nature-based solution approach. The project is a collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and Rayong province, as well as government agencies, academics, and communities in Rayong province, to develop the area into a model for future ecosystem restoration.

“At first glance, it may appear to be a simple activity involving employees and community members planting trees together. However, a comprehensive research and planning process preceded this endeavor, undertaken by Mahidol University and Kasetsart University to ensure the restoration of the ecosystem's biodiversity. To carefully select suitable planting areas, a thorough study of the ‘Phra Chedi Klang Nam’ mangrove forest's flora and fauna was conducted. Soil quality was evaluated, and native plant species were carefully chosen for planting. A thorough risk assessment was conducted to understand the terrain, climate, biodiversity, and environmental factors, guiding the Foster Future Forests project’s execution. The project aims to engage employees and community members, as well as explore the possibility of carbon credit assessment in collaboration with Kasetsart University and Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization,” Associate Professor Dr. Thamarat Phutthai from Mahidol University discussed the research and planning process for the Foster Future Forests project, along with the preparation leading to this activity.

“Mangrove forests play a crucial role in achieving Net Zero goals by absorbing over 9.4 tons of carbon dioxide per rai annually. Therefore, our primary objective is to restore the mangrove forest's ecosystem to its full biodiversity. However, enhancing biodiversity goes beyond simply planting any available seeds or purchasing seedlings. Each forest type possesses unique environmental conditions, necessitating distinct restoration approaches. Consequently, we have designed a comprehensive activity plan that begins by introducing employees to the Phra Chedi Klang Nam mangrove forest’s ecosystem and its rich biodiversity. Subsequently, employees assisted in collecting native plant seeds from the forest, which were then utilized to cultivate seedlings in a nursery. The reason for utilizing native seeds lies in their genetic adaptability to the local environment and climate, fostering their resilience and growth potential. We prioritized high-quality seeds derived from healthy parent trees, ensuring high survival rates, robust disease and pest resistance, and the ability to attract wildlife for seed dispersal and ecosystem enhancement.” 

Employees and local community members gathered, intently listening to the speaker's discourse on the vital role of mangrove forests and carefully planted the collected seeds. Each sapling planted holds the potential to absorb an average of 9-15 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually. Besides the seed planting, the Together We Volunteer also provided a creative outlet for participants. Utilizing leaves and flowers gathered from the forest, they embarked on a journey of creating personalized Eco Printing artworks. Additionally, they breathed new life into old shirts brought from home, transforming them into unique pieces adorned with nature's artistry. This initiative not only encouraged the concept of repurposing discarded items but also served as a valuable skill-building opportunity for the participating Rayong community."

"Collaboration among all sectors is the cornerstone of sustainable development success.” Robert Joseph Dobrik, Chief Executive Officer at Star Petroleum Refining PCL., emphasized the significance of community involvement throughout the project's planning and execution phase, ensuring that the project aligns with the community's aspirations and maximizes the area's potential. By actively listening to the community's desire to conserve the Flame Lily or Dong Dueng field, the project team organized a workshop to share project updates and invite biodiversity and carbon credit experts to engage in an open dialogue with the community. Participants included representatives from the Rayong Provincial Administrative Organization, Rayong Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, the Rayong river and mangrove forest conservation and restoration group, the Noen Phra Community, the Pak Nam subdistrict tourism enterprise, and the Kao Yot Fishing Community Enterprise. This collaborative approach ensured that the project's development truly addresses the community's needs and fosters active community participation.”

Chatit Huayhongtong, President of Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd. said, "Every project we undertake emphasizes long-term benefits for the community and prioritizes project planning based on measurable data. For the Foster Future Forests project, we have gathered a robust academic network, including the International Association for the Future STEM Workforce (IAFSW), the Faculty of Forestry at Kasetsart University, the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies at Mahidol University, and Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization, along with government agencies. This collaboration enables us to plan and execute the project effectively, utilizing nature as our foundation. We conduct a thorough study of the area and integrate technology for efficient measurement. The goal is to develop knowledge that will serve as a prototype for urban forest management in Thailand. Additionally, we plan to raise awareness on a broader scale through collaboration with various organizations, both government and academic. This will involve communicating the project through various activities, such as hosting an online seminar on Green Ambassador, emphasizing sustainability, a biodiversity photo competition showcasing insect diversity and their role in the ecosystem, and today's Together We Volunteer activity. These initiatives are part of building 'Conservation Power,' a crucial next step in the project's progress towards establishing successful urban mangrove forests."

Hundreds of seedlings were planted today by employees and community members, sowing the seeds of conservation for the future of the ‘Phra Chedi Klang Nam’ mangrove forests. The seedlings, still hidden beneath the soil, carry with them a message of hope for the next phase of the Foster Future Forests project. In the future, the project plans to open up the area to wider participation from various sectors to promote education and transform the land into a key mangrove learning center for Rayong province.