Pollution in northern Thailand once again hit the headlines this month as Chiang Mai spent several days ranked as the most polluted city on the planet.
One of the organisations working to reduce the annual haze is the Warm Heart Foundation. Warm Heart is a nonprofit organisation working to bring positive change to the poor community of Phrao in the foothills of northern Thailand.
Their scope is wide-ranging, partnering with rural communities to empower children, create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, ensure the well-being of the elderly, and provide practical and accessible education as well as socially and environmentally responsible innovation.
As the pollution from open burning affects their rural communities, Warm Heart has been researching and advocating the adoption of biochar production -- the controlled burning of corn waste at high temperatures to make biochar -- a "super charcoal" that is environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Beyond biochar, Warm Heart is looking to agroforestry as a solution to the haze problem. Agroforestry will help farmers earn income while moving away from corn. Restoring the forests will help retain water, thereby improving the watershed and expanding the type of crops farmers can grow.
Northern Thailand United Youth Orchestra. (Photo: Warm Heart Foundation)
To raise both awareness and funds for this new project, Warm Heart has organised a special fundraiser "Stop the Smoke" in Chiang Mai on April 1.
Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai will host a charity dinner-concert, featuring classical music performed by the Northern Thailand United Youth Orchestra.
The orchestra boasts some 80 musicians and will be performing two sets of classical music during the evening. The four-course menu is high-end, with both carnivorous and vegetarian options.
The event has a fitting dress code -- casual elegant. Tickets for the event are 12,000 baht per table (eight seats) or 1,800 baht for an individual seat at a shared table.
For more information and reservations, call 083-323-9601 or contact carol@warmheartfoundation.org
