The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has teamed up with energy giant Bangchak Corporation to improve the landscape of Bang Ao Canal in Phra Khanong district.

Part of the BMA’s plan to plant 1 million trees, the joint project was launched by city deputy permanent secretary Chatree Wattanakhajorn on the banks of Bang Ao canal in Soi Sukhumvit 64.

Chatree said the project aims to increase green space in Bangkok, to serve as a wall that absorbs PM2.5 fine dust for future generations.

PM2.5 refers to dust particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter that are linked with heart and lung diseases as well as cancer.

Chatree said BMA, government and private sector organisations have expressed interest in planting a total 1.6 million trees under the project. The project has so far seen 262,815 trees planted throughout the city.

“The project needs more space for tree planting, so the BMA is coordinating with district offices, business owners and the public to free up space in the city to plant these trees,” he said.

Those with space to spare can contact the BMA’s Department of Environment or private partners to obtain seedlings to plant, he said.

The project at Bang Ao Canal saw 100 Thong Urai (yellow elder) trees planted, and EM (effective microorganisms) added to the canal to help improve water quality.

Chatree said the BMA’s next target is to increase the number of perennial (long-living) trees to create long-term green space in the city.

He also highlighted the BMA’s pocket-park project aimed at ensuring residents of all 50 districts have a green space within a 15-minute walk of their homes.

“We are encouraging the private sector to donating unused land, as well as coordinating with partners such as we!park and ThaiHealth to design the parks and host public hearings.”

Chatree said the efforts to increase green space in the city is part of the BMA’s “Green Bangkok 2030” initiative to improve the urban environment in line with World Health Organisation standards.

Green Bangkok 2030 aims to increase the ratio of green space to 10 square metres per person, ensure at least 50% of the city has public parks within walking distance, and raise tree cover to 30% of Bangkok’s total area.