Chiva-Som celebrates the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem

Hua Hin, Thailand – Pioneering and transformative wellness destination Chiva Som celebrated UNESCO International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem July 26 with a visit to his Krailart Niwate Mangrove Ecosystem Preservation Project in Hua Hin, Prachuab Kirikhan. Directed by Vaipanya Kongkwanyeungeneral manager of Chiva-Som, staff and guests planted 500 seedlings at the conservation site.

The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is a day to appreciate and note the importance of the world’s mangroves: these complex ecosystems act as a natural defense against tsunamis, sea level rise and the coastal erosion; they provide shelter and breeding grounds for a diversity of marine life; and they act as a source of food and livelihood for traditional communities. Yet 50% of the world’s mangroves have disappeared in the past 40 years, with 75% of the rest now in danger.

As part of Chiva-Som’s sustainability philosophy that is embedded in all facets of its operations, its team has spent the past 15 years cultivating the beach town of Hua Hin’s only urban mangrove. The Krailart Niwate Mangrove Ecosystem Preservation Project is a collaboration between the resort, the Preserve Hua Hin group led by Krip Rojanastien under the high patronage of HRH the Princess Maha Sirindhorn, Hua Hin Municipality and Silpakorn University. Together, they have transformed what was once a wasteland into a peaceful and thriving eco-sanctuary for residents and visitors to the city.

A total of 11,000 trees have been planted over an area of ​​seven acres, with the number and area increasing each year. Chiva-Som also sponsored the construction of a 1 km elevated walkway through the mangroves at a total cost of THB 7 million (USD 210,000). Visitors can walk through the reserve, surround themselves with the healing effects of returning to nature, while learning how mangroves support communities.