The World Bank’s board has approved a US$140.76 million package for the Thailand Resilient Transport and Irrawaddy Dolphin Conservation Project (TRIP), aimed at strengthening flood- and storm-resilient transport links while supporting conservation efforts for a critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin sub-population in Songkhla Lake.

The project combines infrastructure development with biodiversity protection, including the construction of two bridges and support for Thailand’s newly approved Irrawaddy dolphin conservation plan, which targets dolphins in the upper part of Songkhla Lake, north of one proposed bridge site.

The World Bank said the programme is expected to boost job creation and economic opportunities for about 350,000 people. A separate US$4 million PROBLUE grant, administered by the World Bank, will co-finance implementation of the dolphin conservation plan and help Thailand access international best practices.

Melinda Good, the World Bank’s country director for Thailand and Myanmar, said the project marked an important milestone in the renewed partnership between the World Bank and Thailand.

She said it would help deliver essential infrastructure for local communities while protecting the country’s unique natural resources, which underpin local economies.

“The World Bank is committed to supporting Thailand’s future economic growth and improving the quality of life of communities nationwide,” she said.

According to the World Bank, Thailand’s growth has slowed to an average 2.6% since 2010, with the North, Northeast and South lagging behind. The poverty rate in the South stands at 7.4%—more than double the national average—with transport bottlenecks limiting access to markets, jobs and services, particularly outside Bangkok.

The 7-kilometre Songkhla Lake bridge is expected to cut travel time by up to two hours, reducing an 80-kilometre detour to just 8 kilometres and improving access to markets and tourism destinations.

The 2-kilometre Lanta bridge will link the islands to mainland Krabi, strengthening tourism competitiveness and improving access to schools, health centres, markets and other essential services.

The project will also strengthen evacuation routes and improve resilience to floods, storms and sea-level rise.