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Some of the environmental problems facing nations of Asia are highlighted in Voices & Values: Citizenship in Asia. The environmental conservation actions that people in Thailand are involved in are featured in the section 'Preserving and Saving Thailand' (p 10). One community-based organisation supporting local people to address their environmental problems is described.

In the following investigation activity, you will investigate some of the environmental problems of Thailand and the ways local communities and governments are responding to conserve their environment.

There are two parts to this task:

1. The investigation of Thailand's environmental problems and conservation actions by environmental groups and organisations in Thailand.
   
2. Designing a website entitled 'Thailand: Caring for the Earth' which uses your research into the environmental problems and the local community and national responses to conserving the environment in Thailand.
   
   

1 The Investigation of Thailand's Environmental Problems

• What are the major environmental problems in Thailand?
  
• Give some examples of conservation projects in Thailand?
  
• Select one topic, such as coastal mangroves, Bangkok traffic congestion or elephants in Thailand, and look at how this specific problem is being addressed.
  
• Find and describe an environmental community organisation that is working for change.

Helpful Hints

• Use the Search Engines listed on the National Library of Australia's website as a starting point:
  http://www.nla.gov.au/pathways/pthw_global.html#sear
  
• Brainstorm search words that you think are the key words or phrases that will be useful in locating websites to answer the set tasks.
  
• Use all lower case letters in your queries.
  
• Examine only the first ten results for each search word or phrase. Rate each website on a scale of usefulness.

1	2	3	4	5
useless information	poor/limited information	some relevant information	very good information	excellent information

• Bookmark useful websites.
  
• Download any relevant information.
  
• Add to, delete or adjust your search criteria as you go.
  
• Use the 'Search Help' links on the search engines to improve your research skills.

Research Recording Table

Draw a table like the one below in your workbook and keep track of the results of your searches and any good website features you encounter.

2 Designing a Website 'Thailand: Caring for the Earth'

• Compile a list of the best features you found in your web searches and discussed in class. Note which features you would like to use in designing your website.

• Design a website framework to present your information on Thailand's environmental problems and conservation movement. Use some or all of the features in your list to enhance the website.