Khao Sok National Park, Thailand, April 21, 2020 / travelindex.com / The award-winning eco-lodge Anurak Community Lodge in Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand invites its guests to participate in a forest reforestation project. The lodge has launched the "Rainforest Rising" tree-planting campaign, in which guests can participate.

In addition to the lodge's ecotourism activities such as hiking, kayaking, and jungle cooking, guests can also help with planting seedlings. The goal is to convert two rai (3,226 m²; 0.8 acres) of a former palm oil plantation next to the lodge into native lowland evergreen forest by 2023. In the long term, another ten rai (four acres) are to be regenerated to achieve the same biodiversity and to ensure the lodge is visually indistinguishable from the adjacent Khao Sok National Park.

The land was cleared over 50 years ago. Initially, it was converted into a coconut plantation, then, 40 years ago, into an orchard of durian, mongostan, and longan. Around 2007, it was cleared again and planted with oil palms. However, oil palm plantations are ecologically sterile monocultures. They offer insufficient habitat for birds and animals such as deer, hog badgers, civets, Javan mongooses, pangolins, tapirs, wild boars, and lorises, all of which are native to the region and prefer a variety of seeds and fruits.

Anurak Lodge is therefore collaborating with the Forest Restoration and Research Unit (FORRU) of Chiang Mai University to ensure that the reforestation process is optimally adapted to the site. The goal is to transform the area back into an evergreen lowland forest.

Guests of the Anurak Hotel pay 300 baht (US$10) to plant a specific tree species at a designated location, according to a plan created by FORRU. They also receive a Rainforest Rising T-shirt and can be kept informed about the progress of "their" tree and the project as a whole via email.

The lodge has also set up an information centre explaining the importance of biodiversity and practical considerations for restoring the forest area.

“By planting trees, learning about everything, talking to our gardeners, and participating in our ecotourism activities, our guests experience a very enriching and enlightening return to nature,” said George Newling-Ward, manager of the lodge. “They are also contributing to the long-term ecological well-being of the region.”

The newly planted species form dense canopies that suppress weeds. Species such as the cottonseed, the tree bean, the black plum, and the Burmese grapevine are particularly well-suited as young plants because they grow quickly and produce fleshy fruit. The 17 tree species recommended by FORRU are well-suited to attract wildlife and promote seed dispersal by birds such as the blue-throated barbet, the oriental white-eye, and various bulbul species.

Newling-Ward explained that the "Rainforest Rising" project should be particularly attractive to school and university groups after the coronavirus crisis. FORRU could deploy staff from its research plantation in Krabi to lead study groups and assist students in planting small trees.

In a video, Mr. Newling-Ward explains the environmental commitment of Anurak Community Lodge and provides further information about the "Rainforest Rising" project. Anurak Community Lodge is Travelife Gold certified.

Anurak Community Lodge is a 75-minute drive from Surat Thani Airport, 2 hours 30 minutes from Phuket Airport, and 2 hours from Krabi Airport. This award-winning eco-retreat is ideal for active travelers who appreciate nature and respect the traditions of the local community. The 20-room lodge offers Deluxe Green, Eco Double, Eco Twin, and Deluxe Jungle Tent accommodations. Surrounded by spectacular limestone scenery, the lodge is an ideal base for exploring the adjacent Khao Sok National Park and the majestic Chiew Larn Lake. Anurak Community Lodge is Travelife Gold certified.

About YAANA Ventures: YAANA Ventures owns, partners with, and operates innovative travel and hospitality projects in Asia. YAANA distinguishes itself through authentic experiences deeply rooted in Asia's cultural diversity. The company is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, instilling values ​​in its partners that also benefit the people it collaborates with.