Southeast Asia’s coastal ecosystems are a priceless resource. They host extraordinary biodiversity and provide vital support to local communities. In particular, along the Andaman Coast, the well-being of local
populations is deeply intertwined with the health of surrounding natural environments. These fragile habitats are increasingly at risk due to deforestation, uncontrolled fishing, and unplanned coastal development—pressures that are further intensified by climate change. The need to adopt innovative, nature-based solutions to safeguard both environmental resources and local economies has never been more urgent.
Oikos has been active in the region since 2007. For over 15 years, we worked in the coastal areas of northwestern and southern Myanmar, focusing on habitat and species conservation, environmental education, ecotourism, and the creation of community forests.
Following the social and humanitarian crisis that struck Myanmar, our team has been operating from Thailand since 2021. What began as a challenge quickly became an opportunity to make a difference in a new context. We studied the local dynamics and built strong partnerships with stakeholders in the region, laying the foundation for a new environmental program in Thailand. Since 2023, we’ve supported the sustainable management of coastal ecosystems in the provinces of Krabi and Trang, drawing on the successful community forest management practices previously developed in Myanmar.
We support communities living in mangrove forests by encouraging the development of community- managed forests to ensure a sustainable and respectful management of biodiversity. Throughout this process, we place a special focus on women’s empowerment: supporting them in launching sustainable businesses such as beekeeping, natural fabric processing, and the cultivation of medicinal herbs.