Kanchanadit district of Surat Thani province boasts a botanical uniqueness — it is a home to Nepenthes suratensis, a species of tropical pitcher plant endemic to the southern region of Thailand. An exotic, brightly coloured specimen, the plant is also a critically endangered one. Only a few hundred are currently growing in the wild in this area.
Last month, the Thai Department of Corrections announced a plan to build a new prison to offset overcapacity at the Surat Thani Central Prison. The desired location — a lowland swamp in the central part of the province — happens to be the last known habitat of N. suratensis. The construction would force the particular genus of the plant, which can't be found anywhere else in the world, into extinction.
The news sent conservationists and nature enthusiasts into a frenzy. An online petition was created on Change.org on May 23 to rally supporters. More than 9,600 people have so far digitally signed.
The Department of Corrections' initial plan was to start clearing the area by this month to prepare for construction. But after talks with different groups of conservationists, the process has been pushed back by at most two months to allow more time for plant sample collection and relocation.
Initial public response toward the prison has been negative. Many question the significance of the new complex.
"Please share a living space for other creatures, too, Homo sapiens," wrote conservationist Dr Nonn Panitvong on Siamensis.org, a website that promotes biodiversity.
This is a rare case of a positive collaboration between environmentalists and authorities. Not many knew the prison had been running a conservation programme of its own for the pitcher plants. For the last two years, the prison has also partnered with the Prince of Songkla University to collect plant samples for study
The prison has also set aside a 2 rai plot of land, where about 100 pitcher plants now grow. The authorities have promised that the area would remain unaffected by the construction of the new prison complex. Another 40 rai is also set aside as a conservation site. After construction begins, the plants will be conserved both on- and off-site.
The prison has been contacted, but has refused comment on the issue.
A group of conservationists a few weeks ago met with the director of the Department of Corrections. They requested either a change in the construction plan or more time to collect plant samples. The conservationists were subsequently invited to Surat Thani to visit the conservation area.
Nepenthes suratensis is a tropical pitcher plant endemic to Surat Thani province. There are currently only a few hundred growing in the wild.
"It's fortunate that the Surat Thani prison sees the importance of these plants," said Petch Manopawitr, deputy head of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Southeast Asia Group. "We're lucky that they have set aside land that won't be destroyed. We could preserve around 100 pitcher plants in the wild that way. As for the rest, the prison and the Prince of Songkla University will help collect samples and relocate the plants in the construction area. It is not the best solution, but it's still something."
While the site won't be destroyed, the plants in the 2 rai area could still be affected from dust raised during the construction process.
"We are afraid about that, too. But the Department has invited conservationists to speak with the construction company. If we have any suggestions or concerns, we can let them know," Petch said.
The Surat Thani Central Prison's capacity is approximately 1,500 inmates. Its total population is currently more than 4,000 people, rendering the construction project necessary.
"[We have seen] pictures of the living compound. Prisoners' sleeping quarters consist of hammocks pretty much stacked on top of one another. And there is not enough space for sitting down during meals. Many inmates have to stand around eating their food," said Ornyupa Sangkamarn, an academic officer at the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation and one among a group of conservationists who last week visited the area.
Earlier this month, there was a riot in Songkhla Central Prison due to the inmates' growing frustration of overcrowding. Ten people were injured in the incident, and one was killed. Two buildings were also burned.
"We do understand the necessity of this project. The prison overcrowding is really bad. Conditions are close to subhuman, Petch said. "In the end, conservation has to weigh in between human necessity, while also minimising a negative impact on nature."
Ornyupa said she admires how the prison has so far handled the issue, as well as its co-operation with both the NGOs and local educational institutions in conserving local plants
Flowers of N. suratensis.
"At first, prison staff were under the impression that we wanted to stop the new prison from being constructed. But that's not the case. We only wanted more time to collect samples; we didn't realise they'd started the conservation process on their own," said Ornyupa. "This piece of land belongs to the Department of Corrections. It's within their right to build on it. The department has been fighting for 20 years to acquire the necessary budget. One staff member was actually crying — he thought we were trying to shut the project down."
There is an another location, which also belongs to the Department of Corrections, where construction of the prison complex could potentially shift. Locals, however, have trespassed onto the area, and the case has yet to be resolved, leaving the home of N. suratensis as the only available location.
Petch said he does not object to the inevitable relocation of the pitcher plants. The conservationists' only request would be that the process is done in a way and time frame as to minimise damage to the plants and increase their odds of survival in the new area.
"Thailand doesn't have so many endemic plants and animals. We're a crossroads of various species. N. suratensis is quite special in terms of biodiversity," he said.
N. suratensis doesn't serve any apparent ecological purpose, nor provide any benefit to the environment. The effect of its absence from the ecosystem is also unclear. This raises questions as to whether efforts to preserve the plant's existence are viable or worthwhile. But Petch believes the value of the plant lies in its potential for education.
"It has to do with the chemical component, down to its molecular level. The plant has evolved to suit the area. It may attract a certain kind of insect. It is a base for biological resources. Medical and biological products would require research from this base to develop," he said. "This is local pride that people should support. These plants are Thai, and you can't find this species anywhere else. People should feel proud about that and want to conserve it."
