PHOTO ESSAYS: BAAN CHAO MAI

Situated on the shores of the Malacca Strait in Southern Thailand, the village of Baan Chao Mai lies within the boundaries of the Hat Chao Mai National Marine Reserve. Today, Baan Chao Mai faces increasing threats from commercial fishing and encroachment on the local mangrove forests from industrialized fishing, shrimp farming and rubber plantations. In an effort to sustainably manage local resources, the villagers of Baan Chao Mai work together to balance an economically viable lifestyle.