Kluay Mai Cliff - Heo Suwat Waterfall Nature Trail Project at Khao Yai National Park in Commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of Thai-German Friendship

The Kluay Mai Cliff - Heo Suwat Waterfall Nature Trail Project at Khao Yai National Park in Commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of Thai-German Friendship is a tripartite collaboration amongst the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the German Embassy in Thailand, the Amata Foundation, with support from Amata B.Grimm Power company. Initiated in 2021, the project focuses on developing a 3.4-kilometre nature trail, which was established 30 years ago, to enhance accessibility and safety, while preserving its natural integrity. No trees were cut within the forest; instead, trail steps were constructed using timber sourced from managed plantations outside the park. Interpretive signage has also been installed along the trail to provide information on local flora and fauna, helping visitors to understand and appreciate the wildlife and plant species found in the area. The trail serves as an outdoor classroom, raising awareness of natural resource conservation and fostering environmental stewardship.

Currently, Khao Yai National Park offers 7 nature trails ranging from 1 to 8 kilometres in length. The Thai-German Friendship Nature Trail (Kluay Mai Cliff – Heo Suwat Waterfall) is a moderate-level trail suitable for visitors of all ages. During the dry season, traces of ancient lava flows and unique flora such as "stone flowers" (Polypleurum ubonense), a newly discovered species, can be observed. The trail also features the Scarlet Renanthera or Wai Daeng Orchid (Renanthera coccinea Lour), as the waterfall is named after, which blooms near the waterfall cliff each April, and native wildlife such as the Chinese water dragon (Physignathus cocincinus), an environmental indicator species that signifies high water quality and oxygen levels. Aquatic plants like as Fairy Petticoat or Khrai Yoi (Elaeocarpus grandifloras), Willow leaved water croton or Khrai Nam (Homonoia riparia Lour) and Java plum or Wa Nam (Syzygium cumini) grow along the stream, with their strong roots functioning like natural weirs, helping to slow down water flow before it continues through Pak Chong and Sikhiu districts to Lam Takhong Dam, an important water supply source for the people of Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

In 2024, B.Grimm continued maintaining the trail for the third consecutive year, working closely with Khao Yai National Park officers to inspect and enhance the trail, ensuring it remains safe and accessible while upholding conservation principles.

Indicators of business gains
  • Support biodiversity conservation and restoration in alignment with the company’s sustainability target, aiming to generate net positive impacts on biodiversity.
  • Promote relationships with partners and stakeholders to collaboratively create positive impacts on biodiversity while ensuring no adverse effects on forested areas.
Indicators of community, social, and environmental benefits
  • Support for UN SDGs 15.1 and 15.2
  • Developing a 3.4 kilometres nature trail at Khao Yai National Park
  • Promoting a natural learning centre to earn public attention to natural resources