A new two-week experiential ecology program will provide an opportunity to experience first hand and learn about Thailand's mangrove forests and other critical, often threatened coastal wetlands. A group of up to 16 people will be guided by Dr. Lamar Robert, a long term resident of Thailand with many years of experience leading groups in experiential learning. Your adventure begins with a tour of the canals of Bangkok, the capital city, in the past referred to as the Venice of the East, before visiting the Wildlife Fund of Thailand, the national WWF affiliate. The program is scheduled for 12-25 February 2006.

From Bangkok you travel to Thailand's first coastal national park, Khao Sam Roi Yot (The Mountain with 300 Peaks) Marine National Park, on the Gulf of Thailand, to observe marine and freshwater wetlands of international importance as well as see beautiful beaches. Learn about the environmental and social impacts of prawn farming. The park also offers a good opportunity to view Water Birds, Dusky Languor and Water Monitor Lizards.

By overnight sleeper train you continue south to Trang Province on the Andaman Sea. Here you will meet with representatives of two different types of NGOs: the international organization, Mangrove Action Project (MAP), and the grass-roots NGO Yadfon Association, both of which are working in different ways to protect Thailand's coastal resources while improving the lives of the local people who depend on coastal resources for their livelihood.

From Trang you travel by bus to the island province of Phuket, the historical center of maritime activities in ancient Thailand. Here you will visit the aquarium of the Phuket Marine Biological Center and learn about the endangered "Dugong" a close relative of the Manatee and the importance of seagrass from a Thai marine biologist.

For the trip highlight you will spend three days on an island located in famous Phang Nga Bay, populated by traditional fisherfolk. You will actually live in the villages with the local people as you learn about their ways of life and their activities to conserve coastal resources on which their livelihood intrinsically depends. The program ends with a convenient departure from Phuket's International Airport or you may choose to travel on independently.

Following the MAP program a special optional trip will be offered for those interested in an amazing adventure. This Eco-tourism trip in Phang Nga Bay offers an outstanding opportunity to experience caves and mangroves from the viewing platform of a sea kayak. The award winning John Gray SeaCanoe will make arrangements.

For more information contact Dr. Lamar Robert