The initiative to increase well-managed forested areas in cities was proposed by a team of academics in a move to secure a better environment and livelihood of people in the city. They explained that forested land would not be in conflict with developed areas, and hoped that people would fall more in love with nature.

The project is supported by the Thailand Development Fund,

A leading member of the team, Prof Pracha Koonnathamdee from the Faculty of Economics at Thammasat University, said the term “urban forest” was new and unfamiliar to most people, as it was very different from the traditional definition of forest.

“Urban forest in our definition is used for well-managed green areas in the city that people who benefit from the forest are in charge of maintaining. To do this, they need a sustainable livelihood so they can pay for it,” Pracha said.

“So urban forests are different from other green spaces, such as public parks, which are maintained and funded by the government.”

The intention was to make people grow to love nature and understand that trees do not just offer physical and mental benefits but also improve the quality of life and beautify the city.

Niramon Sutummakid, also a lecturer from the Faculty of Economics at Thammasat University, said urban forests offer relaxation and fresh air.

“There is enough scientific evidence to prove that people close to nature have a better state of mind and are mentally healthy. Plus, the forest can be the city’s lung and absorb pollution,” Niramon said.

However, she said, since all city residents will benefit from the forest, they should all contribute, create and take care of the area.

“The challenge is to manage the area sustainably. We are now looking into several case studies and possibilities to raise funds for taking care of this forest and management methods for each forest can be different,” she added.

Pracha said that people only do things if they benefit financially. For instance, deforestation only took place because farmers or illegal loggers made money from cutting down trees. This could be reversed if people get financial benefits from saving trees, he said.

“If people can earn something by using the resources of the urban forest, this will make the reforestation process sustainable,” he suggested.

The URBAN Forest project team recently met at the Bangkok Folk Museum and promoted the venue as a good example of an urban forest.

Waraporn Suravadee, chairperson of the Insart-Sa-ang Foundation and former owner of the mansion housing the museum, said she backed the project as it was clear the lush surroundings of the museum provided her with a good living condition and health.