ORGANIC FLOOD REHAB
It’s been a journey in which we learned a lot about the determination and dedication towards one’s country and people. We all have read or heard about human beings and their outstanding achievements for the greater community, all these big names from Ghandi to Martin Luther King to Carter, etc. They linger high in the hall of fame of changmakers but you don’t have to be in the hall of fame to be an MVC — a most valuable civilian.
In our quest to wisely and effectively implement the Wipe the Tide funds we’ve been working with such most valuable civilian namely Khun Preeda and his team of volunteers who are working hard to help flood affected farmers in Chai Nat. They have ambitious plans, providing farmers the necessary support in form of organic farming methods, networks, trainings, business support, fertilization and other tools to turn flood victims into the spearhead of Chai Nat’s organic movement thus taking the sustainable path from square one. His idea of bringing farmers in Chai Nat back on their feet by gearing flood rehabilitation efforts towards a sustainable movement would have truly lasting impact but it’s only one of a two-pronged approach to tackle the aftermath of the flood the second element in his plan is to guide people in high risk flood areas to grow plants that survive the flood even if inundated over a longer period. Paddy fields die during the flood leaving no income opportunities for the communities on the other hand bamboo and palm oil can withstand the flood and continue to generate income which is even higher than conventional rice farming.
Through our work with Khun Preeda’s team we saw that he has the crucial local and outside support in terms of manpower, knowledge and networks to make this plan work but as with many grassroots projects funding of such bold enterprises are rare. This is where we believe we could help best with our Wipe the Tide funding and thus we’ve invested 400,000THB to support the Chai Nat rehabilitation and sustainability project. The great thing about this investment is that it is ongoing, hence once the money will be paid back after the first harvest and thus continue to support the next wave of flood victims switching from chemical to organic and from rice to bamboo or palm oil in areas prone to high floods.
Beyond the funding we’re happy to take people to these projects since we’re a startup company in the tourism field that also provides volunteer manpower we want to support Chai Nat’s communities by developing soft tourism, eco-, sport and cultural tourism in Chai Nat and provide short and long term volunteers opportunities. After a number of recon missions and meetings and conferences with cycling clubs, TAT and other local organizations we finally had the opportunity to introduce the projects to our bangkokvanguards support community by inviting them to Chai Nat and to experience Chai Nat’s sprawling temples, beautiful paddy fields, lush organic farms and secluded resorts.
We got full support of the local TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) and the days were packed to the brim. Our group consisted of foreigners and Thais and they kept the volunteer translator busy by asking an abot countless questions on Buddhism and fired questions on organic farming at farmers all the while pushing our schedule to the limits.
If we weren’t asking questions we were burning off calories by cycling or planting trees, we sang and danced with locals and planted rice with them though the seedlings were anything but in perfect symmetry but who cares about perfect lines of rice seedling when local elderlies and kids and dance and celebrate the successful collaboration between civil society groups and the people of Chai Nat and between Thais and foreigners.
Looking back the response and perception of the trip was very positive and we’re confident to be able to provide a great experience of Chai Nat to people that appreciate the seclusion, local culture and authencity of Thailand’s less known provinces. In retrospect we have to admit that we’ve come a long way since Wipe the Tide but good projects often take time and commitment to evolve it took us over half a year from the first fundraising activity at Asoke Intersection till tomorrow when we’re presenting this project (among others) to Princess Maha Chakri Sirinthorn. With the patience, consistency and hard work from all stakeholders we will be able to create something good and lasting that is symbolic of civil society’s ability to act effectively in times of crisis.
