The province of Chiang Mai in Thailand has announced new measures to combat haze this year in an effort to reduce emissions caused by forest fires. Provincial authorities, business enterprises, specialists, and representatives from local communities all attended a recent task force conference hosted by the province to discuss ways to reduce the impact of forest fires and pollution.
With a goal of reducing forest fire hotspots by 20%, the province has established a limit of 9,833 hotspots encompassing a maximum of 718,000 rai of forest area.
Government representatives are also pleading with businesses and municipalities to reduce pollution from cars, buildings, and factories.
Chiang Mai officials have also been in touch with their counterparts in surrounding provinces to discuss a coordinated approach to the problem.
Meanwhile, the provincial natural resources and environment office in Samut Sakhon have collaborated to launch a tree-planting program.
About 500 tree seedlings and organic fertilizers have been delivered to collaborating agencies and groups in an effort to increase the amount of green space and bring about a low-carbon society.
Greenhouse gas absorption by trees planted in this effort will be measured through regular inspections.
The effort will also protect 709 silver trumpet trees that have been planted along a 6-kilometer stretch of Ekkachai Road.