Yonok Wetlands, Birdwating & Conservation in Northern Thailand.

YONOK WETLANDS HARRIER ROOST

Dowroong: Yonok Woman Conservation group.

The sign say's Yonok Wetlands Harrier roost and this area is in the care of Loacal Villages. Through this effort we hope to keep Yonok as a wilderness for future generations.

What do they do?

Basically the idea is to give the villages a reason to support conservation of Yonok and so our meetings are devised to find ways of helping the group to develop a community spirit that works towards conservation.

The woman’s group has had a major influence of hunting and trapping of birds in the Yonok by persuading villagers and friends that conservation is a better way. They have also persuaded local markets to stop the sale of wild birds for eating.

Dowroon & Micks Angels - with Monk Mai and Jamrong (Van driver for Pa Mak No Childrens School "YWP")

September 2nd: ....................... Wat Pra Thaat Jom Gitti: - Selling wild birds for profit - It has to stop NOW!

Dowroong Danlamajak has spent the last two weeks dealing with the serious problem of selling wild birds for release in Wat Pra Thaat Jom Gitti. This is just another success for Her and Yonok wetlands project.
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This problem has existed here for many years and in spite of attempts by well meaning people (including ourselves) it has proved impossible to put a stop to this illegal activity.
Many of the wild birds die as they are damaged by the handling and recapture. Many are in a state of shock and birds that eat on the wing are unable to feed.

Dowroong has been in touch with the Abbot and monks as well as temple administrators and the people selling the birds. She has also had talks with the village governing body.She explained that Wat Pra Thaat Jom Gitti is one of the few temples that allow this and that it really is against the teaching of Buddha, who is shown to have a great love of all creatures.

Dowroong has stuck to this task and has had to deal with some angry threats. In spite of it all she has got on with the job of making the signs, herself. Meeting with officials and persuading people.
Phil Round provided a much needed book on the laws related to wild birds.

Dowroongs only reward is the fact that she has saved the lives of thousands of wild birds.
The removal of more than a hundred mist nets and the quashing of the sale of birds for the table in Chiang Saen market.
The persuasion of people in authority and conservation to do there job has had a great effect in removing much of the slaughter of wild birds in Yonok and Chiang Sean area.

Our good mates the Nong Bong Kai (non hunting area) have been excellent in there support.
Mr. Boompop’s swift action in removing the caged birds was very smarty done.

Mr. May and the Local government officer for Si Yonok helped with painting the signs this morning and together with Mr. Boompop we all set out on the job of putting the signs in place

It only took us an hour to do this and we followed up with: Mr. Boompop and Dowroong speaking with the bird sellers and administrators,

Close to giving up 29 August 2008 - Stop Selling Birds! - Signs for Wat Chom Kitty - "Head Cook and bottle washer" Dowroong.

There is one big point I have to make to you with regard to funding. Surely people who are in a position to grant funds should consider what has been achieved here in the past 18 months. The very fact of what has been achieved demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring Yonok’s future. The complete list of points we have achieved are to numerous to mention, I would guess around fifty or more, one only has to look at the this website

A complete halt to trapping and shooting of birds and animals in Yonok.
A complete halt to trapping within a 50k radius of Chiang Saen.
The full cooperation from NHA staff in dealing with hunting problems.

The Temporary saving of Little England wetland Bog Harrier roost and grass owl breeding site.
The Temporary saving of Wat Pa Mak No Harrier roost and grass owl breeding site.

Both these sites would now have been destroyed were it not for our intervention. This has afforded; those who may want to preserve these two important habits a years grace. This is a fact and urgent consideration of these sites is advised.

These are the main facts of this project. I see it this way. What is important is what has been done and we need to continue along the same lines and expand. If this is not supported all this work will have been in vain.

All the teaching, woman’s group etc and the support of the community is in its self is our biggest achievement and one that I do not want to throw away.

We have an endless task of work here that cannot be put as a time table. Our success is due to daily contact with people.

However I have had to decline all request for extra teaching and working with Dowroong woman Group, I just don’t have the money to pay for it.
This will be a great loss, as I saw it as the best way to have insured a future for conservation in Yonok.

22 August - ???? - The darker side of Chiang Saen Wat Chom Kittie - Chiang Saen.

Mr. Boompop, asked Dowroong to follow up with a talk to the Abbot of Wat Chom Kittie.

The following day we were met with an angry Temple administrator, who threatened legal action, against whom I have no idea. It would seem to me that a great deal of money is obtained from unwary tourist who believe they are giving a gesture of freedom to Buddha with the releasing of the birds. THE TRUTH IS - These birds are bought from trappers, who's only interest is the money. Most of these birds die as they cannot feed. The evidence of young clearly demonstrates that adults trapped have no chance of feeding their offspring as we are in the middle of the breeding season.

Dowroong spent about 2 hours with the Abbot and the administrator at Wat Chom Kitti. In spite of the administrator’s argument the Abbot kindly agreed to us placing a sign in the temple which will contain a strong message, this is supported by the BCST and the Lanna Bird Group.

Chiang Saen Temples are controlled by temple administrators, some of whom seem to have lost the plot and in Chiang Saen, raising money is all important. The two main Temples in the center of Chiang Saen allow drunken parties and even dancing girls. At the last one even a Nuns were seen to be drunk. On my visit I was appalled at the blatant shouting on loudspeakers, touting for money in the form of a lucky dip, that’s gambling!.Its time for a reminder.

I have the utmost regard for War Pra Tha Ngo, the hill temple to the south of Chiang Saen and we know many of the monks there. You may wonder as to what right I have in saying this, as I am neither a Buddhist nor Thai. Well! I have the utmost regard for Buddhism and Dowroong is highly respected as Buddhist woman who works tirelessly in that cause. As with Christianity "people need to be reminded of the simple truth. That’s why these great words a code for life and freedom have lasted for TWO THOUSAND YEARS - It was never about money and profit. As a human being I feel I can say this.

We heard yesterday the good news that the project to destroy the Yonok Wetlands – Harrier Roost at Wat Pa Mak No has been shelved or hopefully abandoned.

Dowroong's contacts who keep us up to date with problems that effect Yonok and Chiang Saen informed us off this good fortune as the project is being moved to a new location away from Yonok. As yet we have not had the full details.

The success is very much due to Dowroong Danlamajak. Together; Dowroong and I have found all the large Harrier roosts in Thailand. Yonok is the largest and we have spent the last 3 or more years doing our best to preserve it.

The roost at Wat Pa Mak No – Yonok has been protected by Buddhist Monks and the evolvement of the community.

The teaching of conservation and English to children and adults has resulted in a great warmth, friendship and trust with the local communities and Yonok Wetlands Project. Dowroong has achieved this with kindness and understanding and without her determination the Harriers Roosts would now be a fish pond.

I and all birders owe her a debt of gratitude, few people ever put their life on the line for what they believe in and the only personal reward is keeping the Harrier Roost safe for all.

Many people have helped greatly, far too numerous to name. We have taught about 300 kids in the past two years and helped local people with ideas to gain some benefit from Wetland conservation.
We must have met with around fifty Buddhist Monks; some of whom have at times been very active in both physical and spiritual involvement with Yonok Wetlands. The children and many parents have taken an interest in conserving their wetland and with the formation of Dowroong Woman conservation group we now have put Yonok in the public eye.

I have to thank the many people from all parts of the world who have given assistance to us in the past year, some of whom have traveled here at there own personal expense.

However the financial support has not been forth coming. This is due in the main to the fact that we don’t have spare time to fund raise and so we have only received 600 pounds in funding.

We urgently need an annual budget of 5000 pounds to continue this work and assure a safe future for Yonok. Without immediate support, it has now become impossible for us to continue. Sadly we have no choice as we are close to broke. I had hoped to keep the project ticking over but this seems pointless as we have to keep dipping into our own funds.

Yonok Wetlands – Harrier Roosts is a World birding highlight, and having watched the evening arrivals on more than a hundred occasions I still get a great thrill at this amazing sight.

A few baht from every birder could secure all important sites in Thailand. One organizer could distribute the funding to financially stricken causes like our own.

In Yonok and Chiang Saen and Kuri Buri national Park, I could show many pointless and so called conservation schemes. They were all about a big show, tree planting “no after care they don’t even bother water them”. It’s all about self importance and nothing to do with conservation.

In Kui Buri NP we witnessed a huge preparation for so called taking back of government land. A huge party with a stage was erected over the course of three days. The dignitaries arrived in 3 helicopters. After all the talking and documents issued to people who had destroyed this particular area of NP. We then planted hundreds of trees. I was amazed as before the officials left the scene the cows were eating and trampling the newly planted trees and within days all the tractors were back and destroying more of that area.

How much it cost, I have no idea. What did it achieve – Well I think it proved to those farmers that you can do as you like.

We need to invest our money in the right people, that’s the people that get on with the work.
Yonok wetlands project has been an outstanding success. Weather or not Yonok will survive without us, I personally doubt it.
Chiang Saen is scheduled for major agricultural and import / export business and a least two new shipping ports are proposed. The volume of shipping traffic in the last eight years has risen dramatically.
It is likely that the pressure on the natural environment here will be overwhelming. For this reason it is imperative that Yonok wetlands project continues to monitor projects that will seriously damage or destroyed the nature within the Chiang Saen Basin.

This is a small amount of cash needed that can make a real difference here. I have given my best shot and with the onset of the autumn migration I need to get on with the birding as this keeps Yonok in the limelight.

The kids are looking forward to Teacher Rik.s return next month - hope you like the drawings.

Micks Kids in action: 23 Aug 2008: School Trip: Kids of all ages join in fun at the school swimming pool in Chiang Saen.

My Own family; Dowroong, Andrea, Mark & Oliver, joined with our teaching class from Wat Pa Mak No.

On the brink of success: Yonok Wetlands project is just over a year old. The achievements have been amazing and now are the time to expand.

Sadly through lack of funds we have to run the project down. The burden of work and no proper financial recognition in the way of support has sapped our enthusiasm.

Dowroong's Woman Conservation Group needs to expand and we have keen interest from 5 more villages. If this is shelved we will miss an enormous opportunity to persuade people in a change of attitude to wildlife and conservation.

We also have a request to expand our teaching and conservation program by the Headmaster of Mai Cum school this would include 6 schools in the Little England Area. Little England wetland bog has a harrier roost of up to fifty and grass owls breed there.
Dr Mong informed me that the agricultural schemes for Chiang Sean will mean that the entire habitat for grass owl will be lost. I have been trying as best I can to save Little England and it currently survives intact. I desperately need this teaching program to succeed, Dr Mong is also enthusiastic and the possibility of taking children on field trips to the wetland bog. Little England Wetland Bog if it survives will be unique in the Chiang Saen basin. I have over the past 3 years identified all the likely breeding sites for grass owls and Harrier roost.

This is all a lot of work for just the two of us. I am currently working on a simple children’s book that links the learning of English with conservation of wildlife.

To maintain our project we urgently need an annual minimum budget of only 5000 pounds sterling (325,000 Baht).

Yonok Wetlands Project can and will make a difference to humanity and wildlife conservation in the Chiang Saen Basin. There is a real and genuine interest from Thai villagers who understand now the need to conserve there heritage.
World leaders seem to have secret agendas that are propelling this world to disaster. The world as we know it is unlikely now to remain for much longer, in its current form, the pressure of capital expansion will consume us all.

Something has to be done and we are at least trying. Please help us. Mick Davies

Dr Mong’s Nature Reserve is a private scheme that is has initiated him by acquiring a small area of wet farmland and converting to wetland. This is a rarity in Thailand and we at Yonok applaud the work he has taken on.

The transformation of this is a great deal of work and on the 26th of f July, Mong organized a reed planting day. Various enthusiasts attended and Dowroong’s woman conservation group provided 20 members to assist with the planting.

The day was a great success and Mong was chuffed, that two days work had been achieved in just a morning.

Mong provided lunch and it was very nice to see this coming together of like minded people. Pictorial review.

The current situation with regard to the destruction of Yonok Wetlands harrier roost at Wat pa Mak No; is this.

The project for the dam has been shelved due to the village of Tung Far Ham raising objections. Dowroong pointed out to the villagers that they need to state firmly there objections.

The project has unfortunately been modified and it is now the intention to Dig Out the entire area to make for deep water. This will mean the total destruction of Yonok wetland north and the Harrier roost and will spell the inevitable end of Yonok wetland.

A further consideration is the raising of the Dam on Chiang Saen Lake by one meter. If this also goes ahead there will be NO WETLANDS LEFT in the CHIANG SAEN BASIN at all.

We at YWP have raised public awareness and with the support of the BCST and Dr Mong, talks are being arranged with the local council, shortly. However I understand that 60 million baht has been provided for this disastrous project and so we will have a hard task to persuade a change of heart.

Projects such as these, which have little no benefit to the local people and are damaging to the wetland and its wildlife need to be restructured to enhancing the natural environment. The wetland can be improved for all, but it needs competent wetland management to look at all consideration in Yonok. We can make a Wetland that encompasses the needs of all and can make for a model for the future that has a harmony of people and wildlife.

There is a real chance here of doing something that will show that Yonok has a community spirit to keep the Yonok as a Wetland Wilderness and for Thailand and us all to be proud off.

We at Yonok and the village of Tung Far Ham were very pleased to receive our first of three groups of students for the Yonok wetland home stay project, in conjunction with the ISV: International Student Volunteer group placement.

At first the group worked very well and we planted 200 trees in conjunction with Dowroongs womans conservation group. This was a most successful operation as some 6 weeks later almost all of the trees have survived.

Core Envioroment Program for The Asian Development Bank – Meet with Yonok Wetlands project

Jeremy Richardson, Raywadee Roachanakana (assiant Dean Mahidol University), Jaio X1, Dr Looijen and Jorgen Eriksson.

Core Envioroment Program for The Asian Development Bank – Meet with Yonok Wetlands project on Saturday 12th April 2008.

Discussion over the effect of the planed super highway to China at Chiang Klong and the effect of transportation and devoplment of the mekong Basin. Considerations on wildlife and conservation and the high movement of people into Thailand.
I must say that we are thrilled that our project is being taken seriously. The ADB group spent four hours with us in the afternoon.

They are looking into a variety of ways to help Yonok Wetlands Project. Voluteer teachers will be a priority.

11th April 2008; Dowroong's woman conservation group spent the afternoon at Rajabhat University Chiang Rai.

The intention was to gain some ideas for the village in the making of handy craft products. Dowroong and her group were had a most interesting afternoon.

Woman Conservation

Yonok Wetlands Project

Wat Pa Mak No

Founding Group

Huai Nam Rak branch

The tenacious Grass Owl despite all odds still survives at Yonok the only know area where the species breeds here in Thailand.

Sadly all of the three main sites for the species have been set on fire this year. It seems so selfish that one person can do so much damage. The reason wasp lave and they burn out the nests. These people have now consideration for the Wetland and the fires often cause damage to legitimate farmers crops. Their is no thought at all to make fire breaks and these fires run unchecked, destroying manny trees and orchards.

This is not n they’re land, is it not time for some proper control over land that is a natural heritage for us all and not for some greed stricken individual.

This guy is a wasp nest hunter, you can tell this easily as he is dressed in old clothes and has binoculars. We have encountered a number of such people in the last year.
This guy said he was not responsible for the fire. He has now been recruited by Dowroong as a sort of warden patrol. We did find the culprits and this issue will have to be dealt with by Dowroong. We have a friend who lives at the roost, he told that several men from Ban _? Set fire after picking water grass for sale in order to regenerate. Our friend is an old man and could do nothing to stop them. Earlier this year the same old man and a monk Pra Parden managed to stamp out that fire.

We were informed of the fire and we telephone the police and fire station, however they did not attend the fire. It would have been very difficult to put and raged for several. Luck was on our side as the light wind kept the fire localized.

The following evening we counted the harrier roost at the burnt out site. The Harriers were unaffected and about 50 were roosting.

Two Grass Owls were seen, not calling! They should have young now. However I think I could here young calling. The call is similar to a frog or insect and I vaguely remember a similar call when I found the young at the Little England site last year. (Sadly these birds were shot) Dowroong spotted a second Grass Owl and the unfamiliar call seemed to be coming from the bird as it flew in the night and so there is hope.

So urgent is this matter that I have decided to pay myself in the interim. The BCST are in support and I believe they will act quickly. We all have limited funds. Khun Kritsana of the BCST will visit Little England next week.

Mr Samart is the Land Manager of the Little England Valley. A decision by the local land owner to cultivate the valley is sad news for this amazing area. Thai Government law is quite clear on unused land we are told by Mr Samart. If the land is not cultivated then it will be taken back into government hands. So it seems that the Land Owner has little choice, convert to agriculture or loose the land.

Dowroong (YWP) approached Mr Samart and put a very strong case for saving the Wetland.

Mr Samart is keen to help. He had seen the Grass Owls here two years ago, Asian Hare and Porcupine are also to be seen in the Wetland boundary.

Mr Samart explained that although the land will be given freely he requires that the local people gain benefit from the project and that some money has to be made available for working. The provision of fencing and signs is necessary he feels to keep hunters, fire raisers and farm animals out.

This is a start. Dowroong and Mr Samart, hope to extend the Land Area to included some Hills and forest. with our influence (Yonok W P) it is hoped we can get a beneficial approach to conservation with the community. Khun Kritsana (BCST) is very much in agreement and so a start has been made. At 0830 this morning (18 March 2008) we telephoned Mr Samart and agreed a deal.

We don't need a great deal of money to run this project. Less than most people in England earn in a year. I have not eared any money in Thailand for seven years. I cant 't afford it! However i will not wait around and see it all destroyed and so I will pay in the interim and hope for outside help and sponsorship.

There is much work to do. With the advance of agriculture we now have the problem of hill farmers who kill and burn. Just this afternoon while talking to Mr Samart a farmer carrying a hunting rifle (I had got all the hunters out, and I had not seen a gun for 10 months), before I relished what he was up to he set fire to bamboo on the proposed project land. They had been asked not to set any fires. The guy explained that there was a snake in the bamboo and he wanted to eat it. Quite appalling that an individual can destroy life in this way. One wonders what was left of the snake having set fire to a ten year old bamboo. The noise of the fire was likened to being amidst a military firing range.

A quick word on fires. Thousands of small to large fires have recently been set in the Chiang Saen Area. The result is massive smoke pollution. The afternoon air quality is so bad that we leave town.

Direct action taken by Dowroong & Mick has averted this tragedy. So powerful was Dowroong's persuasion that the owner has given over the land to Yonok Wetlands Project for future safe keeping.

Little England is home to Grass Owls Thailand's first breeding pair ended in disaster just 10 months ago, when two of the young were shot dead. Seems they're death was not in vein. Full details soon

Dowroong and New Friends will work for the Little England Wetland Bog. A sanctuary for Owls and Harriers.

Do you think there will be any remains for you to eat given the intensity of the fire.

I like to see the snakes alive as this area has been set aside for nature. The Bamboo was ten years old and you have destroyed it. I had hoped to make this area beautiful for all to see. I also noticed that you have a shotgun, this is a “non hunting area”.

The left picture shows the extensive damage to Little England Wetland bog. The map is of the land plots for rent at Little England. The fire just one of a thousand set in the Chiang Saen Area during March and April 2008. Most burning is at night and I have to wonder how and what tourists to this area of the Golden Triangle think when they see this mess of burnt out areas and trees.

Dowroong and Mick were pleased to be invited to a small party at the The Royal Project village located a few kilometers from Little England

BCST & Yonok will have to work closely together to secure a future of the so called Chiang Saen basin.

Yonok Wetland Project - Bird Conservation Society of Thailand - Lanna Bird Group - Rajabhat University.

The meeting was chaired by Gawin (BCST) with major contributions from Dowroong Danlamajak who was encouraged by Dr Mong (BCST and Lanna Bird group). The talks were favorable and several good working relationships were cemented, with Nong Bong Kai in particular.

The proposed Dam at Yonok North went ahead last wednesday 2nd April 2008 we were told there was no problem (R Uni) (yes we do point the finger on this web site) with this project.

We owe I believe debt of gratitude to Khun Jamrouan of Tung Far Ham; and going out to tell them to clear off! as the Yonok serves other village interests. Thank you.

The question of water levels in the Chiang Saen basin is a matter for serious thought for us, the BCST and Nong Bong kai; We really need to sit down and discuss how the water can be used to everyone's advantage.

It seems to me they're is plenty and so I don't see why it is proposed to raise the water levels higher on Chiang Saen lake next year.

Yonok dose seem to have benefited this year from higher water levels that usual.

We were thrilled to meet with Gernod and Naimer Broding and show them our work at Yonok. Hopefully our future is looking bright.

We welcomed the director of the ISV (International Student Volunteer Group) Ms Narrel and Project manager Kieran who we have been working closely with, to provide Home stay opportunity for Tung Far Ham. The first group of students will arrive in May 2008.

The pressure of hunter gathers and fisherman in Yonok Wetlands probably got the better of the Terns. The illegal activity of electric probes for killing and every thing else was stopped in Yonok. Unfortunately too late for the Terns. I really do wonder how anything breeds successfully with so many people treading mud and water.

Inevitably we have to look at restricting some areas, that’s going to be hard'

The Illegal use of Electric Probes was finally and with amazing success ended in Yonok a few days ago.

Hunters equipped with portable battery pack & probes

40 have been chased out and three arrests were made by the Chiang Saen River Police in a determined effort to stamp this out. More on this story later.

HELP – Volunteer. – I need a proof reader who can work for free. Just to tidy up my righting.