UMPHANG, Thailand — Inna Birchenko, a scientist from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, was visibly shaken as she spoke about the devastation in Thailand’s Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by smoke from wildfires, she collected samples from local trees in an area meant to be protected.
“It’s heartbreaking to see this beautiful community of trees and animals being destroyed,” she shared, describing the area her team was studying.
Birchenko and her colleagues are examining how temperature and moisture levels affect seed germination. Their research could lead to future reforestation efforts that use trees able to survive the hotter and drier conditions caused by climate change.
As they hiked through the sanctuary, it was clear that human activity and climate change have already taken a heavy toll on this once pristine area. The team walked through charred forests, where fallen trees smoked, and they witnessed the loss of wildlife—creatures like hornbills and tigers were absent.
Nattanit Yiamthaisong, a PhD student working with Birchenko, reflected on her disappointment. “I thought a wildlife sanctuary would be protected, not mixed with agricultural land and fire,” she said. The reality was shocking.
Wildfires are not uncommon in Thailand, especially during the spring burning season. Farmers often set fields ablaze to prepare for new crops, and while this practice can improve soil, it carries significant risks. The fires can easily spread into forests, especially as climate change brings drier conditions.
Experts warn that forests subjected to intense, repeated fires may not recover. Recent data from NASA shows numerous hotspots across Thailand, including protected areas. In contrast to the urban areas, remote regions like Umphang receive less attention and resources for fire prevention.
“It’s sad to see pristine rainforests disappear at such a rapid pace,” said Jan Sala, another researcher from Kew. He emphasized the need for conservation and biodiversity preservation. The Millennium Seed Bank, where they work, holds nearly 2.5 billion seeds from over 40,000 wild plant species. This initiative is vital for the restoration of degraded areas.
To understand which tree populations are more resilient to climate change, Sala and Birchenko are studying three specific species: albizia odoratissima, phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry), and sapindus rarak (soapberry tree). These species are not endangered and can be found across different climates in Thailand, providing a practical focus for their research.
Collecting seeds is a meticulous process. The team uses a thrown weight to knock fruits from high branches and carefully inspects them before taking samples. They gather only a portion of the seeds to ensure natural regrowth remains possible.
The urgency of their task weighs heavily on them. “It’s exciting to find trees, but you know the forest is in danger just nearby,” Sala expressed. Each sample they collect represents a capsule of genetic diversity for the future, but Birchenko is aware that their efforts may not be enough. “We’re doing so little and potentially too late,” she said.
The situation in Umphang mirrors global trends, with wildfires wreaking havoc in other regions too. Countries like California, Japan, and South Korea are battling similar blazes, underscoring the severity of climate-related disasters worldwide. Today’s challenges call for heightened awareness and action, emphasizing the importance of preserving both our forests and the living organisms that depend on them.
As climate change intensifies, experts stress that the need for proactive environmental management and conservation efforts is more urgent than ever. Preserving genetic diversity in trees is not just important for reforestation; it’s essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in a rapidly changing world.
Check out this related article: Empower Your Future: Join CSJ’s Climate and Environmental Justice Program for Student-Led Advocacy and Scholarship
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