1. Continuous Forest Area
At almost 6 million hectares of forest, the Western Forest Complex is one of the largest continous forest patches remaining in the Greater Mekong Subregion.
2. Hotspot for Iconic Species
Home to several important and endangered species - including elephant and tiger - this area has been designated a "tiger source site" by the Gobal Tiger Initiative.
3. Large Hydropower
Large hydropower such as the Srinakarin dam (720 MW) are operating in the area. While inundating part of the natural habitat it has also contributed to nature tourism, creating new opportunities for protected areas and the communities living around them.
4. Transboundary Highways to Myanmar
Several fast growing industrial and trade hubs are located on the Myanmar side, including Dawai and Myeik. Roads are planned to better connect Bangkok with these hubs and will likely lead to increased pressure on the forest.
5. Strong Protection Status
Most of the Western Forest Complex is under protection on the Thai side, while the Myanmar side, although isolated and in good condition, remains largely unprotected.
6. Reconnecting Tenasserim and Keng Krachan
The two largest patches of forest on the Thai side of the Western Forest Complex are connected only by a dwindling, narrow forest strip. Since 2006, CEP supported the establishment of a 70km long biodiversity corridor to help maintain habitat connectivity.
