Wetlands, A Cradle of Birdlife

February 2, 2026

White heron with wings spread over calm water, reflection visible, grassy bank in background.

Let us take you to Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan—one of Thailand’s most important wetlands and a sanctuary for diverse birdlife. These birds are deeply connected to local livelihoods, culture, and nature-based economic activities that support surrounding communities.

Paddling through the park’s wetlands, visitors may encounter the Oriental Pied Hornbill, Yellow Bittern, Purple Swamphen, Eastern Cattle Egret, Great Egret, and Black-winged Stilt. These species are living indicators of healthy wetlands, relying on clean water, natural food sources, and balanced ecosystems. Their presence reflects the overall health of the environment—and when their numbers decline, it often signals that wetlands are under threat.

Light-brown Western Cattle Egret perched among reeds above a pond.

Photo: Two purple swamphens with red bills walking on dusty ground with green foliage behind.

Great egret with wings spread over calm water and reflection, grasses behind; logos in corner.

Photograph of a black-winged stilt with long red legs standing in grassy wetlands.

Photograph of two black-winged stilts in a marsh, one with wings spread.

Two waterfowl in flight over a calm lake, with a blurred grassy shoreline.

Black cormorant perched on a diagonal branch over calm water, its reflection visible.

Photograph of a purple heron standing among tall reeds in a marsh.

Wetlands are areas where land and water meet, such as marshes, swamps, and peatlands. They provide critical habitats for wildlife, filter pollution, store large amounts of carbon, and help reduce floods and droughts—making them essential for climate resilience, biodiversity, and people.

Sunlit cliff on the right with green slopes and a marshy waterway on the left.

Rugged mountains rise over a calm lake, with green foothills in the foreground.

Aerial view of a coastal tidal marsh with green vegetation patches in shallow water.

Cyclist in orange shirt rides along a grassy wetland with mountains in the background.

Aerial view of trees with twisting branches and green-orange foliage.

Photo of a person standing on a stand-up paddleboard on a calm lake, reeds in foreground.

UNDP, in partnership with the Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office (BEDO) and with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), works to conserve biodiversity in key areas like Sam Roi Yot. This includes policy support, local budget allocation, and strengthening community capacities—not only to protect ecosystems, but also to turn biodiversity into sustainable economic opportunities such as eco-tourism and local products that do not harm nature.