The chosen site for the project is the Dawna Tenasserim Landscape (DTL) in Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai, Thailand. This area is critical as it serves as a wildlife corridor connecting vital habitats, while its watershed supports rural livelihoods and supplies water to Bangkok. However, the expansion of monoculture agriculture in the DTL has resulted in biodiversity loss, degraded human health, increased forest fires, and watershed degradation. Farmers, whose livelihoods depend on the price of a single crop, face heightened vulnerability and cyclical debt.

Drawing inspiration from the King’s Philosophy, this project proposes an innovative approach to address these challenges. Farmers will be trained in agroecology practices to cultivate diverse crops such as perennial trees, fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs within sustainable mixed systems. These practices will not only restore forest landscapes and improve soil fertility but also act as carbon sinks and water reservoirs, facilitating resilient and safe food production. Restoration efforts will also promote ecological connectivity for wildlife and facilitate soil health recovery, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for communities in the Dawna Tenasserim Landscape.