In Thailand\u2019s Khun Samut Chin, a coastal community is writing a survival story against the tides of climate change. Once a thriving fishing village, it now sees seawater swallowing homes and roads at an alarming rate, with local monks preserving their temple using a concrete barrier amid encroaching waves.
A Temple Amidst the Waves
The village\u2019s Buddhist temple \u2013 now an \u201cisland\u201d surrounded by water \u2013 stands as a symbol of resilience. Villagers and authorities have slowed erosion using bamboo wave buffers and a grassroots mangrove restoration project. These salt-tolerant trees act as natural barriers, reducing wave energy by up to 66%, according to World Bank data.
Youth Leading the Charge
The younger generation is driving climate action, organizing beach cleanups to combat plastic pollution while advocating for sustainable practices. \u201cWe\u2019re fighting for our home,\u201d says local activist Pim Kemasingki, 24. \u201cMangroves aren\u2019t just trees \u2013 they\u2019re our first line of defense.\u201d
As sea levels rise 4mm annually in the Gulf of Thailand, this community\u2019s hybrid approach \u2013 blending traditional knowledge with ecological solutions \u2013 offers lessons for vulnerable coastal regions worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
