ASIATODAY.ID, WASHINGTON — The World Bank has approved US$140.76 million in financing for a landmark project that places biodiversity conservation at the heart of economic development, aiming to protect Thailand’s critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins while creating jobs and strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure.
The Thailand Resilient Transport and Irrawaddy Dolphin Conservation Project (TRIP) seeks to benefit around 350,000 people by improving transport connectivity, boosting local economies, and safeguarding one of Southeast Asia’s most threatened freshwater–marine species in Songkhla Lake.
Infrastructure Meets Biodiversity Protection
The project combines the construction of two major bridges with the implementation of Thailand’s newly approved Irrawaddy Dolphin Conservation Plan, designed to protect a small and vulnerable dolphin sub-population living in the upper reaches of Songkhla Lake.
A US$4 million PROBLUE grant, administered by the World Bank, will co-finance conservation efforts, including reducing fishing-gear entanglement, supporting scientific research and monitoring, and expanding alternative livelihoods for local fishing communities.
“This project marks a new phase in our partnership with Thailand—delivering critical infrastructure while protecting the country’s unique natural assets that underpin local economies,” said Melinda Good, World Bank Division Director for Thailand and Myanmar on December 22, 2025.
Biodiversity as an Economic Asset
Despite decades of strong growth, Thailand’s economy has slowed to an average of 2.6 percent since 2010, with the South continuing to lag behind national averages. Poverty in southern Thailand stands at 7.4 percent, more than double the national rate, underscoring the need for inclusive, regionally balanced development.
The World Bank argues that environmental degradation and limited connectivity have compounded inequality, particularly outside Bangkok. By linking conservation with infrastructure, the project positions biodiversity as a driver of sustainable economic growth, especially in tourism-dependent regions.
The 7-kilometer Songkhla Lake bridge is expected to cut travel times by up to two hours, replacing an 80-kilometer detour with an 8-kilometer direct route, while opening access to markets and eco-tourism destinations.
Meanwhile, the 2-kilometer Lanta bridge will connect island communities to mainland Krabi, improving access to schools, healthcare, markets, and emergency services.
Conservation That Creates Jobs
“These bridges will generate jobs during construction and support long-term employment in tourism and conservation-linked livelihoods, strengthening a sector that contributes around 20 percent of Thailand’s GDP and supports *4.3 million jobs nationwide,” said Chanin Manopiniwes, World Bank Project Team Lead.
Beyond infrastructure, TRIP will strengthen the management of protected areas in Songkhla Lake, helping ensure that conservation efforts directly benefit local communities whose livelihoods depend on healthy ecosystems.
A Blueprint for Green Development in Southeast Asia
Developed through extensive engagement with civil society groups, national and international NGOs, experts, and local communities, the project represents the World Bank’s first lending operation in Thailand in 15 years.
It also highlights Thailand’s ambition to align climate-resilient infrastructure, biodiversity protection, and inclusive growth, as the country prepares to host the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok.
By integrating economic development with ecosystem protection, the project sends a clear message: saving biodiversity is no longer a cost of development—but a foundation for it. (AT Network)
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