PATT’s partnerships aren’t just limited to planting activities, as the organization also stages informational events and conducts environmental-awareness programs. As a result, there’s also plenty to learn and experience on PATT planting days. This aspect is very important to Dr. Manop Tungkaserawong, a physician whose participation in August 2008 marked the first time he had ever taken part in a planting action. “The event made it possible for our children to learn first-hand how important it is to preserve our environment,” says Tungkaserawong, who works in pharmaceutical sales.

At the conclusion of the mangrove planting day, each participant received an appropriate present in the form of a young sapling, the idea being that participants should take the green movement home with them. Merck, for its part, will continue to take part in the climate-friendly reforestation of Thailand, as Aman Bhattacharjee, the new managing director of Merck Thailand, also places a high priority on corporate responsibility. Says Cerean Chotivimut: “We already have a proven partnership with the CARE aid organization, and we carry out various programs that support young managers. We’re also involved in tsunami reconstruction projects in two provinces. Social responsibility is a key element of our corporate philosophy, and we’ve even noticed that our actions have led other companies to move in this direction as well.” Nearly 16,000 new trees planted to date prove the point — and the forests thus created will continue to grow.