The group appointed each household to take turns watching and patrolling the area for uninvited guests. Luckily, for the past few years, we haven't had any serious problem with outsiders sneaking in to cut down trees. Other community activities include the construction of bridges and walking paths in the forest, providing convenience for visitors and students who want to learn about the ecology of the mangroves. Along the walkways are small resting areas with wooden benches under tiled roofs for people to relax and breath the fresh air. The group has also worked with a local school to allow students to help plant the mangroves in the evenings or on weekends.
Students also pick up trash around the area to keep the forest clean.
They are familiar with the mangrove forest. This is their playground. But they also have to understand the ecology of the mangroves, and be aware that conservation is important to their future livelihood and environment. Despite their youth, some students have part-time jobs on the weekend as tour guides for the many visitors who show up from all over Thailand. Although the future looks brighter for the Ban Pred Nai village, with their fervent efforts finally paying off, they are still faced with several arduous tasks, one being to sustain the sensitive balance of the mangrove ecological cycle.