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Forty Bangkok students hike about a kilometre into the forest, past steep cliffs at Ban Sam Kha. They are on their way to build what is called a "check dam".

"There are as many as 200 forest fires a year in Lampang," explains Sanit Kessuwan, the Siam Cement Group's managing director in Lampang.

"It's so dry here, especially at Ban Sam Kha. The village is so close to the mountain, forest the fires threaten its safety." The company has a plant nearby.

Check dams are small barriers built across shallow rivers and streams using readily accessible materials like bamboo, rocks and wood for the purpose of water harvesting.

The small dams retain excess water during monsoon rains in small holding areas. Pressure created in these helps force the water into the ground, replenishing groundwater.

The water can be used for irrigation in the dry season and for other uses. It reduces the risk of fires, too.

"I like the students to share a real experience with their friends. Sharing awareness of conservation from friend to friend is better than teaching it in an ordinary way," Sanit says.

This is the first time these 40 students have been to a forest and it is certainly the first time they have built a dam. The SCG is paying for the dams.

"I have no idea about building a dam. I'm worried. But, I'm ready to work," says Ittipon Sanguandeekul, 20, a senior at Bangkok University.

The other members are all Mathayom 6 students from Bangkok schools.

They share the work that involves cutting bamboo, digging and collecting stones for the dam.

It is hot; the students are tired. But they continue working without complaining.

"It is worth doing. I know each drop of water is precious," says Siripong Mahaphasukwat, 18, of Depsirin School. "When I go home, I'll make my friends and family see how important it is not to waste water."

Four hours later the group has built about 20 dams.

"I feel a sense of belonging. From now on, I will use water wisely, " says Sermphon Klaiseengern, 18, also of Depsirin.

The students have learned that without water there can be no life ... water is life. They learn, too, that a problem shared is a problem solved.

"You have to do more than just say you won't waste water; you have to do it," Ittipon says.

By 2009 the project aims to have built 10,000 check dams. Since 2003 more than 2,000 have been constructed with the support of Siam Cement, villagers and organisations like Green Wave radio.

By Mongkol Semdang

Special to The Nation