Changes at WI-TO as the Mud Lobster rejoins Wetlands International

It's been an interesting few months at Wetlands International Thailand Office, with many shocking revelations. Frank van der Valk the Chief Operations Officer from The Netherlands has joined Alvin Lopez, the KL-based Regional Programme Director in Thailand to help with the departure of the former WI-TO director. Sadly, Alvin is also leaving to join the Asian Development Bank in Manila - a great shame as he is a wetlands pro, with many years experience on the Mekong River Commission.

Into this vacuum has bravely stepped Assoc Prof Dr Noparat from PSU as acting Director, and The Mud Lobster (as Programme Manager for Thailand), swapping filthy shorts and a shovel for smarter shoes and spreadsheets. This is a three month position to help get the current projects back on track, produce some financial clarity and bring in new projects. Delighted to have rejoined WI.

First job was to deal with a visit from the IUCN's Mangroves for the Future team to the WI project site in Surat Thani, SE Thailand. This was led by Dr Janaka de Silva, with K Siriporn Sriaram, Oliver Abrenilla (climate change) and K Jirasak Chookwamdee from the DMCR. Despite our slight disarray, and financial embarrassment, the MFF team provided some extremely constructive feedback, which we have been endeavouring to implement over the subsequent few weeks. This has required a lot of time in the Surat Thani field office, working with the team to turn mud into wine.

Next up will be the Green Coast II project in Trang province. Like the MFF project it's livelihoods and mangroves help for coastal communities. And like MFF it will need some help to return to the straight path of project-righteousness. More anon from the besuited Mud Lobster.