Charoen Pokphand Group and CP Foods showcased a successful result of the first phase of CPF Rak Nives at Phraya Doen Thong Mountain Project, Lopburi province in Thailand
The ‘green’ initiative aims to help conserve and restore 115 ha of watershed forest and bolster food security for communities surrounding the area.
Since 2016, CP Foods has collaborated with Thailand’s Royal Forest Department and local communities around the Pasak watershed forest to conserve, restore and plant more trees in the areas, which is considered an important water source for the country.
In the first phase between 2016-and 2020, the company has been able to restore 955 ha and is currently in the process of implementing the second phase with plans to restore a further 159 ha of forest.
To promote sustainability and food security in the precious forest, CP Group and CP Foods chairman, Soopakij Chearavanont and the executives recently planted 1,000 Wild Champak Trees and released 100,000 fishes into natural water sources to be crucial food sources and occupation for communities in the future.
CP Foods CEO Prasit Boondoungprasert said that 'CPF Rak Nives at Phraya Doen Thong Mountain Project' is the company’s commitment to conservation and increasing the green area of Thailand, as well as to conserve one of the country's most important watershed forests.
He added that the company will continuously monitor the progress of the forest every year and some parts of the forest have been registered for the Thailand Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reduction Project (T-VER) by the Greenhouse Gas Management Organization.
“CPF operates its business by adhering to the 3-benefits philosophy for the company, society, and environment to grow in harmony with each other. This project shows CP Group and CP Foods’ commitment to the sustainability of the country. The Pasak watershed forest will be a model for forest conservation management in other areas of Thailand and it is also developed as a learning centre for government agencies and other private sector to learn from," added Prasit.
Surapon Klinpun, director of Forestation Promotion Office, Forest Resource Management, said that the area was once a wasteland with rocky and dry landscape, making forest restoration very difficult. However, CP Foods’ forestation project has tremendously transformed the area in the last five to six years.
The company has also provided experts to share knowledge on various types of forest planting, leading to tangible outcomes.
“The ecosystem of the area has been changed. The fertility and Biodiversity of the forest were restored. Villagers have food sources. In addition to more green areas, the project also helps create jobs for the surrounding communities and draws the community to participate in the conservation of trees in the project area, from collecting seeds, planting seedlings, removing weeds,” said Surapon.
He furthered, “The Royal Forest Department will use this project as a model for forest restoration. Thank you, CP Foods, for supporting the agency towards the national strategic goal of increasing green areas,”
The green effort also creates food security at the community level by encouraging local farmers to grow safe vegetables for their own consumption and selling at the community market. In addition, the project supports the community to undertake fish breeding and nursery projects, creating new careers and sources of income such as processing fish into fish products and fermented fish for sale, among others.
The project supports the community to undertake fish breeding and nursery projects, creating new careers and sources of income such as processing fish into preserved consumables. (Image source: CP Foods)
