Lesson for Saviour of
Nature
You can see the complete feature on the main Bangkok Post website.
This
lesson is designed for both classroom use and for use by individuals
who are learning English. Below is the complete text of the feature
"Saviour of Nature". The feature is a long one, so it has been broken
up into small sections to make it easier to use. Each section has an
mp3 soundfile, you so you can listen to the text as well. In the classroom, most teachers will use the material for group work. Generally, each group will work with one section and then share what they learned with members of groups who have read different sections. If you are using the lesson as an individual, you will probably want to do one or two parts at a time.
The
headphone symbol indicates that you can click for a soundfile.Introduction
Thailand has developed rapidly since the middle of the twentieth century. What has this done to the environment? The section will give you some details. Who does it say has the responsibility for preserving the environment?
All
newly industrialized countries must struggle to manage the negative effects
that rapid economic and industrial growth can have on natural resources and the
environment.
Where 53 percent of
But who is to blame?
Responsibility for environmental degradation is in the hands of every
citizen.
Be they rich or poor, rural or urban,
members of highland hill tribes or
lowland farmers, the cumulative impact of over exploitation of a fragile environment
affects everyone.
rapid - fast
is no exception – is no different
onset – beginning, especially of something unpleasant
incurred – (of something unpleasant) experienced
degradation – the process of becoming worse
rural – of the areas away from the city or town
urban – of the town or city
impact – effect
cumulative - total
exploitation – use of for industry or commercial purposes
fragile – easily damaged
Section
one
In this section, we hear the words His Majesty the King himself. He is talking about times when there is too much water and times when there is not enough water. What does he say is the solution to that problem? Is the solution an easy one, or does it require careful planning?
What
can we do?
There is one voice that everyone in the nation listens to. The
King’s annual
birthday speech has always tended to focus on issues related to the
environment and economic development. What follows is an excerpt from a
speech delivered by His Majesty to an audience of well-wishers on
December 4,
1993.
“The problem is that, when the rains come, there are floods
and the water must
be drained swiftly. When the water is gone, a water
shortage follows
soon after. Therefore, the retention of water is
important. Even in the
South, water resources are inadequate. On this
subject, I will let you
think for yourselves where the water should be retained because any
location will lead to protests. We don’t want to be confronted with
protests; they are tiring and useless. “
But the fact is, if we can retain water, a flood like the present one
will be
less severe, and in the dry season, which is two or three months from
now, when
the rain will be scarce, the stored water can be
released for cultivation,
even for rice cultivation.
“Therefore, if we are thinking of water management for the
end of the year, we
must think ahead. And if we don’t think in this way, if we
think only of the
short term, we will encounter both the danger of
flooding and the danger
of drought, as we are at the present time. That is
why we have to think
carefully.”
excerpt – a short part of a speech, book, play, etc.
drained – (of a liquid) caused to flow out of an area
retention – storage; keeping something in an enclosed place (Tthe verb form is retain)
inadequate – not enough; insufficient
confronted – made to face (a problem, trouble, etc.)
scarce – not enough of something; inadequate
cultivation – preparing the land and grow crops on it
encounter – to experience
drought – (pronounced “drout”) a long period of time without enough rain
Section
two
Does Thailand have enough water? In this section, you will find out the King's answer to this question. You will also find out what he says about the importance of water and how to make sure we keep the water we now have. What does he say must be done to preserve the water supply?
On
December 4, 1989, His Majesty said in his speech to birthday
well-wishers:
“Just the other day we were saying that water will soon be scarce in
Five years later, on December 4, 1994, His Majesty spoke along similar
lines:
“Every year some things change while others remain the same.
If you compare
this year with the last, there have been many changes. Last year I
talked about drought and flood. We had severe drought and some
flooding. This year,
we have some drought and severe floods. That’s the major
difference.”
Development of water resources is clearly a subject HM holds
most dear to
his heart. “…Importantly, we must have
water. Because water is crucial for consumption and agricultural uses, our lives
depend on it. If there
is water, we can live. If there is no water, we cannot live. If there
is no
electricity, we can still survive. If
there’s electricity but no water,
then we cannot survive…”
HM advocates reforestation and
forest conservation as dual means to ensure a steady supply of water for consumption and cultivation.
“To preserve watersheds for eternity,
it is important that we maintain and replant forests in watershed areas,” said His Majesty in
one of his
speeches. His Majesty is frequently sighted traveling to remote rural areas in order to meet the people and gain a firsthand
understanding of
their problems. Indeed, The King has rightfully earned a reputation as a
“working monarch”.
sufficient – enough
drought – (pronounced “drout”) a long period of time without enough rain
holds most dear to his heart – believes is especially important
crucial – of the highest importance; necessary
consumption – the act of drinking or eating something
survive – to continue to live
advocate – to publicly support or recommend
reforestation – the planting of trees where a forest has been cut down
conservation – saving and protecting the environment
dual – involving two parts, functions or aspects
cultivation – preparing the land and grow crops on it
watershed – a high line of land where rivers and streams on one side flow in one direction and those on the other side flow in another direction
eternity – forever; for all time
maintain – to keep; to keep in good condition
remote – far away from the nearest village or city
rural – of the countryside away from the town or city
firsthand understanding – an understanding you gain from experiencing something yourself instead of from other people
reputation – the opinion people have about someone
monarch – a king or queen
Section
three
In this section, you will read of an example of the kind of project His Majesty has often carried out for hill tribes in Thailand. What did it involved? What did the hill tribes people do to try to repay his kindness? Where did they get the idea?
Pho
Luang Jorni Odoshau recalls fondly a cool February
day some 15 years ago
when two visitors came to his high mountain village.
The visitors were none other than His Majesty and HRH Princess Maha
Chakri
Sirindhorn who had traveled all the way to Ben Nong Tao, located some
1,100
metres above sea level in Chiang Mai’s Mae Wang district.
Both were on hand to inspect a site where His Majesty had earlier initiated construction of a dike and widening of an existing
stream in order to facilitate delivery of adequate supplies of water for irrigation and
personal consumption.
For the people of highland Karen tribes, the project represented a
clear and concrete manifestation of His Majesty’s kindness to
his subjects across the land.
The hill-tribe villagers started a “tree ordaining”
programme with the
aim to ordain 50 million trees in the catchment areas of the northern
mountains
as a way to thank HM for his kindness. Tree ordinations involve the
adaptation
of the Buddhist monk ordination ritual for use on
trees.
Pho Luang Jorni explains that ordaining a tree would allow forests
which have deteriorated over the years to grow back undisturbed. The idea grew from
HM’s advice, said
the Karenni headman.
“The King said a couple of years ago that we should leave degraded forests alone, not to disturb them, and they will regenerate on their
own.”
on hand – present; there
site – place
initiated – caused to be started; begun
dike – (or dyke) – a thick wall that is built to stop water flooding onto very low-lying land from a river or the sea
facilitate – to make easier
adequate – enough
irrigation – the process of supplying land with water to help crops grow
consumption – use (for drinking, washing, etc.)
concrete – definite and specific
manifestation – example; one of the different ways in which something can appear
ordaining – normally the ceremony for making someone a priest, but in this case it was used for a tree
ritual – a religious service or ceremony which involves a series of actions in a fixed order
deteriorated – became worse in some way
degraded – deteriorated; lowered in quality
regenerate – to return to a healthy condition
Section
four
In this section, we learn about His Majesty's advice to the people on how forests should be returned to health and keeped healthy. What advice does he give for the people living in the forest areas? We also get a lesson in ecology. What does the King say about the balance of various parts of the environment, including water? What problems will occur if we allow forests to be cut down?
According
to HM, reforestation projects should focus on three
types of useful
trees. First, fuel woods, such as krathin thepa, should be cultivated for household use. The availability of this wood would prevent
villagers from
cutting down trees in the wild. Second, fruit-bearing trees, such as
mangoes
should be planted for consumption. And finally,
trees that have
commercial value like yang na or teak should be planted so that
villagers can
use or sell them as construction materials.
“What His Majesty tries to do is to revive the ecology through attention
to the interdependence between the soil, water
supplies, and forested
areas,” said Kriengsak Hongto, director of the Khao Hin Son
Royal Development
Study Centre in the eastern
“Water is particularly important. It is a life-giving force.
The King always
told us that we have to reforest the highland area as it provides an
important
source stored water for us.”
But the task is not accomplished by planting a lot of trees. For the
King,
reforestation necessitates a thorough understanding
the interdependency
between humans and their environment.
“Some people wonder why I became interested in irrigation or forestry,”
His Majesty said in one of his speeches 30 years ago. “I
remember that when I
was 10 years old, a science teacher who is now dead taught me about
soil
conservation. We had to write: ‘There must be forest on the
mountain or the
rain will erode the soil and damage the mountain
surface.’
“This is a fundamental fact of soil and
forest conservation and
of irrigation. If we fail to maintain the highland forest, we will have
problems ranging from soil erosion to sedimentation in dams and
in rivers. Both can lead to floods. I have understood these
relationships since
I was 10.” Since 1974 His Majesty has launched several reforestation
projects. The work is now being jointly coordinated by his
Chaipattana Foundation and the Princess Mother’s Mae Fah
Luang Foundation.
cultivate – to prepare the land and grow crops on it
consumption – use, e.g. eating, drinking etc.
ecology – the relationship between plants, animals, people and the environment
interdependence – the situation where different things depend on each other
necessitate – to make necessary
irrigation – the process of supplying land with water to help crops grow
erode – to greatly destroy or wear away (noun form is erosion)
fundamental - basic
conservation – the saving and protecting of the environment
sedimentation – the process of leaving mud, sand, stones, etc. at the bottom of a river or lake
launched – began for the first time
jointly – done together
coordinated – organised
Section
five
In this section, we learn about the King's New Theory. What does it involve? For example, how does he suggest farmers organise the use of their land? What are the benefits of using the land this way? You will also find some specific recommendations for bringing forest areas back to a healthy condition. What are these recommendations? What does he suggest farmers should do in preparing their land to grow crops successfully and safely?
Among
his many initiatives, The King’s plan for
land allocation, called
“The New Theory,” has been widely practiced.
Finding that most farmers possess
an average of 10 to 15 rai of land, His Majesty suggested that
individual plots
be divided into four portions. A farm pond, a rice field, and fruit and
fuel
wood trees would each take up 30 per cent of the land. The remaining 10
percent
would be allocated for a house, roads, vegetable gardens and animal
farming.
With this “30-30-30-10” formula, the farmer would
have adequate water
for household and agricultural uses. With fish from the pond, rice from
the
field and fruit and fuel wood from the trees, farmers become totally self-sufficient and may even produce enough to sell for extra income.
His Majesty’s idea of tree planting represents a compromise between
forestry officials’ practice of clear-cutting and then
re-planting the same species of tree as one would on a farm, and the deep ecologists’
belief that
formerly forested areas should be left to regenerate themselves.
“Never peel the land,” His
Majesty told officials from the Office of the
Board of the Royal Development Projects in an address on the subject of
reforestation
techniques. “Don’t plough away
the surface soil as you have been doing.
It depletes the fertile top
soil and the survival rate of
seedlings is very low. Up to 80 per cent of them die.”
Understanding the need to conserve and improve soil
conditions, His
Majesty urges farmers to use buffaloes or cows instead of tractors to
plough
rice fields. He also advocates that farmers plant a
variety of fruit and
fuel wood trees, using as many indigenous species
as possible.
His Majesty discourages the use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides,
urging the farmers to grow plants which can be made into natural
insecticides
and to use only organic fertilizers in their fields. He also cautioned against the application of weed killers or herbicides.
He warned that
farmers should never use these chemicals because they are extremely
dangerous.
These toxic substances, once applied are left in
the soil for a very
long time.
Following His Majesty’s advice, many of
allocation – the act of deciding on how an amount of something should be shared
adequate – enough, sufficient
self-sufficient – able to produce everything you need by yourself
compromise – accepting slightly different or less than what you really want
species – a particular class of plant of animal
ecologist – a person who studies the relationships between plants and animals in a particular areas
regenerate – to return to a healthy condition
peel – to take off the outer covering of something
plough – to turn over the soil with a large farming tool called a plough
deplete – to reduce; to make something less
conserve – to use something carefully and to protect it from harm, loss or change
advocate –to publicly support or recommend
indigenous – belonging to the country in which they are found
discourage – to make someone not want to do something
fertilizer – a substance that you spread on the ground to make the plants grow more successful
insecticide – a substance used to kill insects
cautioned – warned
herbicide – a substance used to kill unwanted plants
toxic – poisonous
integrated – closely connected and working well together
Section
six
In this section, we learn about the King's introduction of a particular type of grass into Thailand. What is this grass, where is it grown and why? We also learn about His Majesty's ideas of conservation. What are they?
Another
of his many great initiatives was his introduction
in 1991 of vetiver
grass as a natural deterrent to soil erosion and excessive water run-off. The hardy grass also stores
nitrogen, conserves moisture in the soil and prevents toxic substances from
reaching water sources.
Vetiver planting has been employed in various
locations. Its presence
has proved useful mainly near reforestation projects, on roadsides, in
areas prone to soil erosion, at land fill sites, in flatlands,
around the edges of
ponds and reservoirs and on farms.
His Majesty’s vetiver grass initiative has received worldwide
attention and acclaim.
In 1996,
In response to the Royal initiative, more than 30 agencies from the
government
and private sectors are working together to conduct studies, research
and field
experiments. His Majesty has constantly kept
himself apprised of
the progress of projects under development and has provided additional
guidelines to improve the results. Already, vetiver has been the
subject of
more than one hundred research projects.
To
His Majesty, environmental conservation is not a
matter of conservation for
its own sake, Dr Sumet Tantivejkul, Secretary-General of the
Chaipattana
Foundation explained. “The word conservation by itself denotes a very
narrow meaning.” An important element is the principle of
management, and of
taking into account the interdependency between
human beings and natural
resources.”
Human beings have a need to exploit natural
resources while ensuring
that they will be available for future generations.
The problem
is how to manage natural resources in a sustainable manner.
deterrent – something that prevents something from happening
erosion – a gradual wearing away or destruction
excessive – too much
hardy – able to survive difficult conditions
conserve – to save
moisture – wetness; water
toxic – poisonous
employed – used
prone to – tending to be affected by; often affected by
reservoir – a lake used for storing water
acclaim – praise
constantly – continually
apprised – given information about something
conservation – the saving and protecting of the environment
denote – to represent; to mean
interdependency – the situation where different things depend on each other
exploit – to use for your own benefit
generation – the people in a country who are of a similar age
future generations – the people who will live in the future
sustainable – able to be continued
Section
seven
The paragraph of this section summaries just about everything we have learned from this feature about His Majesty's ideas of conservation and proper use of the land, If you are in a group, you can find out the details from your friends who have read the other sections. What is new here is His Majesty's ideas on water storage? In general, what kind of water storage doe the King prefer? What are his ideas on the building of big dams?
The
philosophy and principles underlying His Majesty’s activities
have been preached by environmentalists for years: reforestation by allowing forests to regenerate themselves; integrated farming;
appropriate technology; moderation in living and
agricultural
development; the belief that local villagers are best suited to
maintain and
benefit from the forests in which they live; use of natural methods to
fight
pollution such as using water hyacinth to treat polluted water; and aversion to using chemical fertilizers and insecticides.
Some uncertainties still surround the much-debated issue of dam
construction.
Generally His Majesty supports small scale widely distributed irrigation projects for the alleviation of immediate problems faced by farmers. In
his New
Theory scheme, he proposes a three-tiered
irrigation system that
utilizes individual ponds, a community reservoir,
and a larger basin.
These small- and
medium-scale water storage facilities, His
Majesty notes, will act as “rain water regulators”,
meaning that the
reserves will complement the use of natural water
supplies during the
dry season or in times of drought. When the water
level drops too low in
one of the water collection facilities, it will be replenished,
through
extensive pipeline systems, from the next one up.
There are occasions,
however, when His Majesty has suggested building
large dams. Much as he is aware of opposition to
dam building on the
grounds that it permanently destroys already dwindling forests,
according to his trusted aide on development, Dr Sumet, His Majesty
feels that
the benefits for farmers and the country as a whole outweigh the loss of
some part of the forest. In certain areas and in certain situations,
small-scale water storage is impracticable or
inappropriate. Large-scale
dams are therefore necessary. The key is to have the appropriate
planning and
good management to gain maximum benefits.
Sometimes, a certain amount of investment is required before benefits
can be
realized. Sometimes “Our loss is our gain.”
“In building a dam, we have to sacrifice a portion of forest land
which is our loss. But we gain water and farmers gain crops. The
question is
whether fears of environmental damage can be allayed.
“The answer is we can [mitigate some of our losses]. For
example, some of the
water can be used for reforestation, and we can re-plant more trees
than we
will lose. But whether it will succeed depends on
implementation,” said Dr
Sumet.
underlying – forming the basis of
preached – stated in order to try to persuade someone of a belief or necessary action
reforestation – the planting of trees where a forest has been cut down
regenerate – to return to a healthy condition
integrated – closely connected and working well together
moderation – not extreme; not more than is reasonable
aversion – a strong dislike
fertilizer – a substance that you spread on the ground to make the plants grow more successfully
insecticide – a substance used to kill insects
irrigation – the process of supplying land with water to help crops grow
scheme – plan
reservoir – a lake used for storing water
basin – the area of land around a large river
facilities – buildings or pieces or equipment
regulators – things which control the amount of something or the rate that something moves
complement – work well together with
drought (pronounced “drout”) a long period of very little rain
replenished – made full or complete again
opposition – being against something
permanently – forever or for a very long time
dwindling – becoming less
outweigh – to be of greater importance than
impracticable – impossible to do
sacrifice – to give up something of value
portion – part
allayed – stopped from feeling afraid or doubtful
Section
eight
In this rather short section, you will learn about His Majesty's on traffic. Does he worry about how people are affected by heavy traffic, particularly in Bangkok. Find an example of how he is careful not to add to the traffic problem. What is his approach to solving the problem?
His Majesty’s concerns for the people are not directed solely to those living in the rural areas. In urban areas, he has provided advice on how to alleviate and resolve the traffic and flooding problems that have been affecting the lives of city residents for decades.
“His
Majesty’s concern for
His Majesty’s approach to city traffic problems is holistic and thus
similar to the approach he adopts when dealing with such national
issues as
rural development, education, public health or the environment. The
then
Bangkok City Clerk, Prasert Samalapha, had dealt with flood prevention
and
traffic management in
rural – of the country away from towns and cites
urban – of the town or city
resolve – to solve
residents – the people who live in an area
plight – a difficult situation that is full of problems
late – of a person who has died
holistic – considering something as a whole, not just the parts
strategies – a set of plans for achieving something
encompass – to include
Section
nine
In this final section, you will learn about His Majesty's interest in solving the flooding situation in Bangkok. You will read about examples of how he has helped the city reduce its flooding problems. What are they? You will also learn about how the King's efforts in conservation and environmental preservation have influenced members of the community to join in. Find examples. What has one Ministry done to honour the King's work?
In 1980
City officials were at a loss as how to control the floods as water
from the
north reached
In 1995, said Mr Prasert, His Majesty’s assistance and advice
again saved the
city from inestimable damage. “I have to
admit that without the King
helping with the handling of the floods, the city would not have been
able to
contain them, and inestimable damage would have resulted for the
country.”
The numerous speeches and initiatives of His
Majesty clearly reflect his
deep concerns about the environmental problems currently facing
submerged – covered with water
commute – traveling to and from work
resolve – to solve
tide – the natural rising and falling of the ocean from the pull of the moon’s gravity
peaked – reached their highest point
stem – to stop from increasing, continuing or spreading
unscathed – undamaged; unharmed
inestimable – so great as to be impossible to calculate
initiative – an action or statement intended to solve a problem
readily – willingly
rally behind – to support
myriad – a great variety or large number
conservation – the saving and protecting of the environment
affirm – to state or show publicly that something is true or exists
commitment – a firm determination to do something
monarch – a king or queen
