Wieng Nong Lom Wetland is a complex of nine freshwater lakes adjacent to the Ramsar site of Nong Bong Kai Non-Hunting Area in northern Chieng Rai province. The overall area is a part of Chieng Saen Basin along Mekhong River.Although Nong Bong Kai Non-Hunting Area is recognized as a wetland of international importance, as a Ramsar Site, but Wieng Nong Lom Wetland was excluded inexplicably and faces threats that need urgent attention.On February 28th,2008, a workshop was organized under the theme of “Nong-Bong Kai and Wieng Nong Lom Wetland Conservation through People’s Participation,” which was attended by 81 participants from concern government agencies, local administrators, local groups, school teachers and NGOs.The organizers were Birds Conservation Society of Thailand, Rajabhat Chieng Rai’s Biodiversity Centre, Lanna Bird and Conservation Club and Nong Bong Kai Non-Hunting Area. Some problems, due to lacking of proper management at Wieng Nong Lom Wetland, were found as following;
1. The variety of fish has decreased and some species have disappeared from lakes. Local people reported that illegal fishing methods such as fish poisoning and electrocuting were being used.
2. The environment of the wetland has been changed. Some orange orchards have encroached on part of the wetland and water is diverted from these natural lakes. Chemical contamination from the use of pesticides is also a Golden Apple Snail (known locally as the “Cherry Snail”.) 3. Bird numbers have reportedly decreased. There are fewer of egrets around the lakes of Nong Kiew, Nong Nam Ron and Nong Yao.
4. The destruction of wild fauna some of which were captured for sale.
5. Local lifestyles are changing since some business people have taken up land for big farms. This affects local people who are mostly rearing water buffaloes or fishing.
6. Land near Nong Yao lake has been used as an illegal garbage dump.
7. Some conservation activities. (bird watching and water monitoring projects, initiated by Jan Jwa School between 2005-2006) has ceased due to lack of staff and equipment.However, recently about 70 local women have formed Yonok Women’s Conservation Group. They have initiated many activities including monitoring of illegal bird sales, dismantling bird traps, training in bird watching for local children, and also teaching English for local communities.Jan Jwa School will organize youth camp on 9-10 August, 2008 and Rajaphat Chieng Rai University will organize focus group meetings with the support of BCST.
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