PHANG NGA, Thailand – Community-led mangrove restoration is proving to be more effective than traditional state or market-driven methods, both ecologically and economically. In southern Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay—a region known for its rich mangrove ecosystems but rapid development—the village of Ban Nai Nang has pioneered a unique mangrove conservation approach centered on beekeeping.

By cultivating native honey bees and stingless bees, which play a crucial role in pollinating local mangrove trees, the villagers generate income through honey sales. This revenue supports their community-based mangrove conservation projects. As a result of their beekeeping and conservation efforts, the local mangrove forests have shown signs of recovery. Moreover, Ban Nai Nang is now extending their successful conservation model to neighboring villages through training and mentorship programs.

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Banner image by Carolyn Cowan/Mongabay.

Beekeeping helps villagers tend coastal forests in Thai mangrove hotspot