Chonnaburi District, 2025 – Muang Hong Village, located in one of the most remote areas of Chonburi District, has long faced challenges caused by geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, and scattered household settlements. Agriculture, which is the primary livelihood of villagers, is heavily dependent on natural rainfall. During the rainy season, floods frequently damage crops, while in the dry season, water scarcity reduces agricultural production and household food security. Degraded forest areas and insufficient water management further exacerbate vulnerability, making communities highly sensitive to climate change impacts.
To address these challenges, Muang Hong Village partnered with the Integrated Water Resources Management and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (IWRM–EbA) Project under the Community Ecosystem Conservation Agreement (CCA). This project, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with technical and financial assistance from UNDP, focuses on strengthening livelihoods, restoring ecosystems, and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.

As part of this initiative, the project constructed two fully equipped greenhouses in Muang Hong Village to enable year-round organic vegetable production. The greenhouses protect crops from extreme weather, improve productivity, and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. Each greenhouse was provided with irrigation systems, soil preparation tools, and essential cultivation equipment to ensure sustainable and climate-resilient farming. In parallel with the greenhouse construction, the project facilitated the formation of a village-based organic vegetable farming group. This group is responsible for the management and maintenance of the greenhouses, implementing production schedules, and ensuring equitable access to resources. By establishing clear internal regulations and shared responsibilities, the initiative promotes transparency, cooperation, and long-term community ownership.

The IWRM–EbA Project also delivered comprehensive technical training on greenhouse cultivation. Villagers received hands-on guidance on soil preparation, pest and disease management, climate-smart irrigation techniques, and organic vegetable farming practices. These skills not only improve crop yields but also enhance the community’s resilience to climate variability. Women and youth, in particular, have been actively engaged in the training, opening new opportunities for income generation and participation in local decision-making. Beyond improving livelihoods, the greenhouse initiative contributes to ecosystem restoration and sustainable resource management. By reducing pressure on surrounding forests and improving water use efficiency, the project helps restore ecological balance while supporting the sustainable management of land and water resources in the area.

Representatives from the Department of Water Resources emphasized that the intervention demonstrates how livelihood improvement and ecosystem conservation can be integrated effectively. UNDP highlighted that the project’s participatory approach ensures that communities are empowered to manage their natural resources sustainably while benefiting from improved agricultural productivity and income. The activities in Muang Hong Village serve as a model for other communities in Chonburi District, illustrating how greenhouses combined with ecosystem-based adaptation measures can improve climate resilience, protect natural resources, and strengthen livelihoods. With ongoing support from GEF and UNDP, the IWRM–EbA Project continues to promote sustainable development through community-led, environmentally sound, and climate-resilient interventions that benefit both people and nature.

Contact for Further Information:
For media inquiries, please contact:
Phouphet Chittaphone, Database and Communication Officer, IWRM-EbA Project
Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment
Email: [email protected] Tel: +8562058562532