Thailand turns to mangrove carbon credits despite scepticism
The country aims to bring thousands of hectares of mature mangroves into its new carbon market, but local communities are concerned about the consequences.
Watchara Kumpai, 68, spends most of his time in boots, stomping through coastal mangrove forests in southern Thailand.
He used to work in the tin mining and logging industries that contributed to mangrove loss, until all concessions in mangrove areas were cancelled in 1991. Today, Watchara is dedicated to restoring and protecting these vital ecosystems in Ranong province, as Thailand aims to restore 500,000 rai (80,000 hectares) for carbon credits by 2031.
