Abstract
This Case Study chapter describes the design, planning and implementation of a large-scale mangrove wetland rehabilitation project at Don Sak, Surat Thani (Southern Thailand), a work in progress. Unique in this case study is the collaboration between the shrimp industry (Surat Thani Shrimp Farmers Association), government (Royal Forest Department) and local communities that have joined hands with the aim to rehabilitate a largely degraded coastal wetland system. Less than 160 hectares currently remain of the once extensive mangroves that originally covered some 2,400 hectares along this coastal area. The project focuses on a combination of hydrological restoration, facilitation of natural mangrove regeneration and localised planting to achieve the restoration of several hundreds of hectares of mangroves, along with the development of silvo-fisheries and other alternative livelihood activities through sustainable financing mechanisms (micro-credit schemes) to boost the local socio-economy. Through a substantial co-investment by the shrimp farmers industry in mangrove restoration and a thorough evaluation of their environmental performance and sustainability (including adjustments to their waste water management), the project also hopes to achieve and a certified eco-label for their shrimps.