NEB declares new zones to be protected
The National Environment Board (NEB) has declared three districts of Rayong, including the Map Ta Phut industrial estate, an environmental protection zone to better control development and business projects harmful to ecosystems.
If the NEB’s declaration is approved by the cabinet, Rayong will become the 10th province to be included on the country’s list of environmental protection zones.
The three districts affected by the order creating the protection zone are Pluak Daeng, Ban Khai and Nikhom Phatthana.
At its meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon yesterday, the board agreed on a new ministerial directive under the National Resources and Environment Ministry, which will enforce 13 measures to better protect natural resources and residents in this coastal province.
Among the measures are strict requirements for developers to conduct environmental impact assessments and environmental and health impact assessments before going ahead with projects that may cause environmental impacts.
The directive also makes way for the establishment of a local committee to monitor, inspect and care for the environment in the three districts, and reporting to the NEB at least once a year on the state of the environment there.
The government has so far declared certain districts in nine provinces as environmental protection zones.
They are Dun Lamphan forest in Maha Sarakham’s Na Chuak district; the Si Mahosot ancient city in Prachin Buri’s Si Mahosot district; parts of Muang and Saraphi districts in Chiang Mai; parts of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in Surat Thani; Muang, Tha Yang and Cha-am districts in Phetchaburi.
Others are Hua Hin and Pran Buri in Prachuap Khiri Khan; Bang Lamung and Sattahip districts in Chon Buri; Ao Luk, Nua Khlong, Khlong Thom, Koh Lanta and Muang districts in Krabi; as well as Khura Buri, Takua Pa, Thai Muang, Thap Put, Takua Thung, Koh Yao and Muang in Phangnga; and all of Phuket.
The NEB also agreed to extend the environmental protection status of the districts in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phuket and Chon Buri for another two years.