Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is planning major renovations to recreational zones inside its four main national parks with the aim of making them meet world-class standards.
Read the following story from the Bangkok Post to learn more about this environmental project.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Dapong Ratanasuwan said the ministry will work closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and will listen to its suggestions for improving the parks.
He said the planned improvements include security, facilities, visitors’ centres and toilets in order to attract more tourists. The four national parks are Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima, Inthanond National Park in Chiang Mai, Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi and Ao Phang-nga National Park in Phang-nga.
COST CONCERNS
The ministry’s plans have prompted concerns from some quarters.
Former minister Suwit Khunkitti, who initiated the idea, previously proposed that private investors be allowed to undertake the renovation work and run hospitality services inside the parks in place of park officials.
However, environmentalists say that investment by private operators could affect the parks’ ecology. They are also concerned that privately run services would push up costs, preventing low-income people from using the facilities.
PROS AND CONS
Dapong did not make it clear whether he will allow private companies to undertake renovation work at the parks. He said the issue was sensitive and that he needed to study relevant laws and regulations before taking further steps.
“Private investors have the ability to invest and we have a limited budget,” he said. “But I need to look at the pros and cons first.” Dapong added that he expected construction to begin within a year.
SOURCES FOR FUNDS
Chief of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Niphon Chotiban said the initial investment for the renovations could come from revenue from the country’s 147 national parks. Additional funds could come from private firms under their corporate social responsibility schemes, or from the government.
Niphon said his department is now earning 500 million baht annually from entry fees at national parks countrywide.
Exercises
Read the story. Then, decide whether the following statements are true or false.
1. Environmentalists think that privately run services would push up costs
……………….
2. Dapong Ratanasuwan is the Minister of Health.
……………….
3. Niphon said his department earns 5 billion baht annually from entry fees at national parks nationwide.
……………….
4. The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is planning to improve facilities at four national parks.
……………….
Vocabulary
- hospitality (n): food, drink or services that are provided by an organisation for guests, customers, etc.
environmentalist (n): a person who is concerned about the natural environment and wants to improve and protect it
ecology (n): the relation of plants and living creatures to each other and to their environment
Idiom
pros and cons: the advantages and disadvantages of something
