Biodiversity restoration
Restoring Bangkok’s “green lung,” the urban forests of Bang Krachao, Thailand
Bang Krachao, Thailand
Restoring Bangkok’s “green lung,”
Project Overview
Just 15 kilometres south of Bangkok, an island of green space curves gently within the Chao Phraya River. Known as Bang Krachao, this 2,000-hectare peninsula is often called Bangkok’s “green lung” a rare refuge of trees, canals, farms and quiet lanes in the middle of one of Asia’s largest cities.
For decades, Bang Krachao has helped cool the capital, filter air pollution and provide space for people to breathe. But growing development pressure and land-use change now threaten this unique urban ecosystem.
This project supports the restoration of urban forests and wetlands at landscape scale, helping to secure Bang Krachao’s future as a living green heart for Bangkok.
Why this project matters
Bang Krachao is home to around 20,000 people and contains far more green space than a similar-sized area across the river in central Bangkok. Its mosaic of farms, orchards, mangroves and freshwater forests plays a vital role in:
Yet land-use conflicts between conservation and development continue. While protective legislation was enacted in 2019, active restoration is needed to turn policy into lasting ecological recovery.
People, livelihoods and the city
Urban forest biodiversity restoration at Bang Krachao is not only about trees. It is about protecting ways of life.
Healthier green spaces help sustain traditional fruit orchards, community forest products and low-impact ecotourism. At the same time, they improve quality of life for millions of city residents by cooling the air, reducing pollution and offering accessible nature close to home.
Bang Krachao has already been recognised internationally as one of Asia’s best urban oases. This project helps ensure it remains so for generations to come.
What will be done
Tree species have been carefully selected to match local conditions and include mangrove, swamp-forest and riparian species of genera such as Bruguiera, Rhizophora, Hopea, Sonneratia and Ficus.
Planting and restoration activities will involve around 800 local households, placing communities at the centre of stewardship.
Project Site
Project Impact
Over time, the project will:
It demonstrates how nature-based solutions can thrive even at the heart of a megacity.
Your donation helps protect Bangkok’s green lung
A donation to the Bang Krachao urban forest project helps safeguard one of Southeast Asia’s most important urban green spaces.
Your support can help to:
Every contribution helps keep nature alive in the city, improving health, livelihoods and resilience for millions of people.
By supporting this project, you are helping ensure that Bangkok’s green lung continues to breathe — for people, wildlife and the climate.
Resources
Project Overview
Just 15 kilometres south of Bangkok, an island of green space curves gently within the Chao Phraya River.
Known as Bang Krachao, this 2,000-hectare peninsula is often called Bangkok’s “green lung” , a rare refuge of trees, canals, farms and quiet lanes in the middle of one of Asia’s largest cities.
For decades, Bang Krachao has helped cool the capital, filter air pollution and provide space for people to breathe. But growing development pressure and land-use change now threaten this unique urban ecosystem.
This project supports the restoration of urban forests and wetlands at landscape scale, helping to secure Bang Krachao’s future as a living green heart for Bangkok.
Why this project matters
Bang Krachao is home to around 20,000 people and contains far more green space than a similar-sized area across the river in central Bangkok.
Its mosaic of farms, orchards, mangroves and freshwater forests plays a vital role in:
Yet land-use conflicts between conservation and development continue. While protective legislation was enacted in 2019, active restoration is needed to turn policy into lasting ecological recovery.
What will be done
The project will support the planting of around 50,000 native trees across Bang Krachao, contributing to the long-term goal of restoring at least 1,000 hectares of green space, around half of the peninsula.
Tree species have been carefully selected to match local conditions and include mangrove, swamp-forest and riparian species of genera such as Bruguiera, Rhizophora, Hopea, Sonneratia and Ficus.
Planting and restoration activities will involve around 800 local households, placing communities at the centre of stewardship.
Project Site
Long-term impact
Over time, the project will:
It demonstrates how nature-based solutions can thrive even at the heart of a megacity.
Project Target
Carbon Absorption
8,520 tCO2
Project Area
1000 ha
Trees to be planted
50,000
Engaged Households
800
