“Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (HKK)” lies at the heart of the Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM). In these large protected areas, Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng makes up the core area for wildlife. It was declared the first Natural World Heritage Site of Thailand on December 9, 1991. This intact forest contains a very wide range of wildlife and plant diversity. It is the habitat for the last big populations of wild water buffalo and banteng. The largest tiger population of Thailand can only be found here. For 25 years as a Natural World Heritage Site, it has been providing habitat and protection from hunting and other threats for wildlife. In addition, HKK forest is a nature library where people will be inspired to value nature and have a better understanding and good attitude toward wildlife and wild places, and consequently, improve wildlife protection and conservation action in wild places.
Due to its natural significance, therefore, in 2016 the Nature Education Network of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Thailand Program in collaboration with Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Khao Nang Rum Wildlife Research Station together with environmental and natural resource conservation organizations/groups launched the project “SMART-Wildlife Conservation Volunteer for Huai Kha Khaeng.”This project aims to inspire people to value nature, have better understanding, raise conservation awareness, and activate a conservation movement because we believe that learning through a basis of academic information will lead to effective protection for nature.
What does SMART - Wildlife Conservation Volunteer stands for?
S = Specific Volunteer activities must be specific and clear.
M = Measurable Volunteer activities must be measurable.
A = Attainable Volunteer activities must be attainable.
R = Realistic Volunteer activities must be realistic to execute within the area.
T = Timely Volunteer activities must be scheduled in a timely manner.
List of environmental and natural resource conservation organizations/groups
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary | Khao Nang Rum Wildlife Research Station | Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Thailand Program | Huai Kha Khaeng Foundation | Save Wildlife of Thailand | Nature Camp | Nature and Agriculture Education Centre (NAEC) | Hoonlaika | Baimai Environmental Enterprise | Thai Nature Game Group (Uthai Thani)
Project Period
October - November 2015
Coordinate with environmental and natural resource conservation organizations/groups for project preparation.
December - January 2016
Open for volunteer sign up via social networks.
January 2016
The first meeting of SMART-Wildlife Conservation Volunteer for HKK.
February 2016
“Hug Huai Kha Khaeng” activity to equip volunteers with better understanding in the volunteer concepts as preparations for being a SMART-Wildlife Conservation Volunteer for HKK.
March - June 2016
Volunteers participate in area management and learn how to improve the learning environment at least once a month under supervision of HKK officials.
July 2016
- Project summary (Year 1/2016)
- Project summary and evaluation