Exploring the Environmental Movement for the Preservation of Big Trees: A Case Study of Urban Areas in Thailand

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the environmental movement for the preservation of big trees using a case study of urban areas in Thailand. The literature review included gathering data from academic sources such as Thai Journals Online (TCI) and Thailand Library Integrated System (ThaiLIS), as well as articles and published interviews from magazines and online publications through websites during 2012-2016. Data analysis was conducted, and the results were presented in three scopes: (1) history, (2) concepts and procedures, and (3) social impacts. The results indicated an environmental movement project for urban trees, called “Big Trees Project, " which was set up on November 2, 2010, through an online social network. It primarily aimed to conserve four to five giant rain trees and other big trees surrounding Sukhumvit 35 Alley which were being removed for construction of a luxury shopping mall. The Big Trees Project’s concept, “Do not make a story of big trees but what matters for trees, " is intended to engage the public and persuade them to appreciate the value and importance of caring for big trees. A strategic impact at the national level of caring for big trees occurred when the prime minister instructed arborists to be assigned to take care of the trees in public places in accordance with arboriculture principles. However, the main target of the environmental movement is to push forward tree protection legislation for urban areas.