Ranong promotes ecotourism

RANONG, Dec 10 (TNA) - Years after massive destruction of mangrove forest in the southern resort province of Ranong by trespassers, the province has improved natural scenery and ready to invite ecotourism tourists to visit and study the beauty of nature. Kayai Tongnoonui, chief of mangrove forest station in Ranong, said it took several years to develop deteriorated mangrove forest located in Muang Ranong in order to restore marine life habitats and to prevent natural disasters. The government has allocated five million baht budget to improve the scenery and build an 800-metre long walkway for visitors to view the beauty of mangrove forest . Official statistics found that only 2,000 rai of mangrove forests was left in the province in 2009 and it was deteriorated. Concerned authorities were later able to confiscate more than 1,000 rai from those illegal trespassers and geared up to restore the mangrove ecosystem. (TNA)