The Rak Pa Nan (“Care for Nan Forest”) project was officially launched in 2014 with the ultimate goal of preserving and rehabilitating Nan forest watersheds via broadened public awareness and cooperation. The Nan River is very important because it contributes over 40 percent of the waters making up the Chao Phraya River, which is the most important river system in Thailand. Therefore, conservation of Nan forest watersheds is of paramount importance to all Thais. Recognizing this, KBank has supported this project for some time via training programs for local communities and relevant agencies in Nan.
In 2015, KBank – in collaboration with the Office of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Projects, Chulalongkorn University and the Royal Thai Army – implemented strategies to preserve and restore Nan forest resources. They include forest rehabilitation, prevention and suppression of forest encroachment, the building of a cooperative Nan community network with private and public sector agencies, instilling a sense of responsibility and awareness among the local people, especially children and youth, towards natural resources conservation and development of alternative occupations for local residents to ensure a sustainable cohabitation between man and the forest. KBank has a long-term development plan for this project that includes 10 years of financial support.