PUBLISHED : 25 Oct 2024 at 04:00
The Seub Nakhasathien Foundation has expressed concern about a dolomite mining project near the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex in Phetchaburi.
Ornyupa Sangkaman, the foundation’s secretary-general, said mining activity would destroy the fragile ecological system and affect the World Heritage site.
Ms Ornyupa said a company is seeking concession rights to mine over 540 rai of land in Pa Yang Nam Klad Neau and Pa Yang Nam Klad Tai national reserve forests. The area is classified as a high-priority buffer zone of the World Heritage National Park.
Public hearings were held in December last year. Most villagers said they disagreed with the project because the mining site is just 1.14 kilometres away from the World Heritage site.
Ms Ornyupa said the buffer zone is fertile, adding it has wildlife, including elephants and chamois, which is considered an endangered species.
She said the mining activities would affect the natural ecosystem by creating pollution and causing wild animals to change their behaviour.
Meanwhile, excavation and ore washing will harm the groundwater system, which is a water source for the livelihood of locals who are mostly farmers, she said.
Ms Ornyupa said human activities have constantly threatened the outstanding universal value of Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex’s biodiversity. The threats include a dam construction project in Ratchaburi’s Tanaosri district.
The dam project will span over 2,168 rai of forested area covering a watershed forest and Maenam Phachi Wildlife Sanctuary, the only wildlife sanctuary in the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex.
“This year, the country has lost over 300,000 rai of forest land, which is the largest amount in a decade,” said Ms Ornyupa.
“At this point, the forest shouldn’t be exploited more by human activities. The government needs to protect the forest based on its commitment to the global community,” she said.
Earlier this month, residents of Nong Maka village in Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan district filed a petition with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) against the dolomite mining project, which they see as posing a great risk to the community’s natural resources and way of life.
On July 26, 2021, Unesco’s World Heritage Committee inscribed Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex as a World Heritage property.
It is Thailand’s sixth World Heritage site and the country’s third World Heritage property.