Khiri Travel enhances Thailand’s forest guide standards
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BANGKOK, 16 September 2009 - Indochina travel specialists, Khiri Travel conducted forest knowledge training for nine trekking guides late last month in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. The objective was to enhance the quality of Khiri’s treks by improving the information given to guests about forest ecosystems and land use in Thailand and neighbouring countries.
Fig tree lesson
Khiri Travel brought in ecologist, Dr Stephen Elliott of the Biology department in Chiang Mai University to conduct the training. The guides and five Khiri staff spent a full day on the slopes of 1,100-metre Doi Suthep-Doi Pui national park 15 kms west of Chiang Mai city.
Dr Elliott explained subjects such as the distinction between evergreen and deciduous trees, the importance of organic matter and nutrients in soil, the survival techniques of epiphytes such as the basket fern, plant survival techniques in face of forest fires, the life cycle of the foul smelling sapria himalayana parasitic plant, and the dependence of giant buttress fig trees on air borne pollination from a single species of wasp.
“When you explore the forest, be quiet like you’re in a temple - the temple of nature,” said Dr Elliott.
Many of the guides already had specialist knowledge about forest ecosystems, but wanted to deepen their understanding and enhance technical English language skills.
Guide, Nattika “Phueng” Rungruengwong said: “I added to my knowledge of nature and the interdependence between humans and nature. I increasingly believe that if we humans want a good quality of life, we have to better understand and take care of nature around us as well.”
Forest guide training
The group also visited the nursery of the Forest Restoration Research Unit (FORRU) in the national park. The nursery, under supervision of the university, conducts research into the best kinds of tree species to be used for reforestation. The park has lost about 50% of its tree population due to logging and encroachment. FORRU volunteers plant seedlings that are about 50cm tall and can tolerate hot dry weather and regenerate quickly. Khiri Travel supports FORRU with financial donations.
Khiri Travel co-founder, Frans Betgem, who initiated the study trip, said: “Khiri Travel wants to make clear to everyone how important forest conservation and reforestation is, and to show guests what a great job FORRU is doing and to support its reforestation efforts.”
Khiri Travel offers a half-day morning tour of Doi Suthep-Doi Pui national park. The trip visits Doi Suthep temple and the FORRU nursery. Tourist then hike through the forest past the giant fig trees to Montatharn Falls and the smaller Sai Yoi waterfall for brunch.
Khiri will soon add new programs that focus on national parks, forest conservation and nature in general. The company is preparing additional material on forest plants and trees for guides to use during treks.
Mr Betgem said: “Khiri Travel is committed to lifting our trekking to a higher quality level by improving and standardizing information about forests, nature and the threats to ecosystems posed by humans.”
Editor’s note: high resolution images of the forest guide training and Khiri Travel can be downloaded here:
About the Khiri Travel Group
Khiri Travel, established in 1994, is an independent destination management company with its own regional network. It has seven offices in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. The company’s detailed knowledge shows in its innovative itineraries, precise operations and our commitment to responsible travel throughout the Indochina region. Visit www.khiri.com.
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