30 September 2024 – From 21 – 29 September 2024, the Climate, Coastal, and Marine Biodiversity (CCMB) Project under GIZ Thailand, organised a study trip to Australia for Thai policymakers. The trip brought together policymakers and practitioners from various government agencies, namely Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE), the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS), Department of Tourism (DOT), Thai Meteorological Department, and experts from Chulalongkorn and Ramkamhaeng universities.

The delegation visited the state of Queensland with the primary objective to exchange insights, solutions, and best practices on resilient coastal management, adaptation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable ecotourism and Nature-Based Solutions (NbS). Australia and Thailand shared similarities in climate, coastal challenges, and reliance on tourism for economic development, mirroring the situation in Thailand’s coastal areas.

Thai delegates exchanged issues and solutions on resilient coastal management with a representative from Tweed River Sand Bypass project

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the Tweed River Sand Bypass System, which addresses coastal erosion issues. Participants observed how the system helps reduce erosion and mitigates the impact of sand entering waterways, reducing the need for dredging. This resonates with Thailand’s coastal challenges, where sedimentation often leads to shallower waterways and increased dredging requirements.

The delegation also explored NbS in Moreton Bay, where mangroves are being planted to protect the coastline from erosion. On the Sunshine Coast, they witnessed the Blue Heart project, which showcases how multi-benefits project is planned combining, for example, blue carbon ecosystem, restoration and floodplain management, as well as recreation area for tourism purpose considered climate information and scenario into the planning. This project demonstrates how land recovery from intensive agricultural activities can benefit biodiversity and support recreational activities.

Thai delegates explore Nature Based-Solutions site at Moreton Bay.

A representative from the Blue Heart project explains how floodplains can be managed with support from climate Information and natural reclamation

In Townsville, the Thai representatives engaged with experts from the Australian Institute of Marine Science and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The discussion focused on zoning and area management, a topic of particular interest to Thailand as it develops its Marine Spatial Planning initiative.

A representative from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority explains tourism arrangements and strategies to Thai delegates as part of an exchange on marine area zoning

A key takeaway for the Thai delegates was the importance of integrating climate risk and biodiversity management into decision-making processes based on scientific evidence and information. The Australian government’s reliance on scientific outcomes and information systems were highlighted as crucial factors in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss effectively.

The study trip also emphasised the need for synergies between climate and biodiversity solutions and the potential benefits of proper area management for coastal tourism. The exchanges during the trip enhanced the collaboration among the Thai agencies which is the most important key for climate and biodiversity mainstreaming. The study trip concluded with a debriefing workshop where the delegates presented their idea on multi-purpose project capturing practices and knowledge obtained during the trip.

The delegates presented their idea on multi-purpose project capturing practices and knowledge obtained during the trip in a debriefing workshop.

The study trip hosted by CCMB provided opportunity for different Thai agencies to align their interests, explore potential cooperation, and work together on climate change adaptation, tourism management and biodiversity conservation that align with Thailand’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).

More information about CCMB: https://www.thai-german-cooperation.info/en_US/climate-coastal-and-marine-biodiversity-ccmb/