PUBLISHED: 31 Jul 2024 at 05:09
The government has unveiled two significant coastal initiatives, the 72 Thai Beaches Conservation and the Phuket Maritime Conservation Sandbox, in recognition of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday anniversary. These projects aim to preserve maritime biodiversity and bolster the country’s tourism sector.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, alongside Natural Resources and Environment Minister Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, inaugurated these projects with support from key stakeholders. The Prime Minister emphasized that the nation’s coastal and oceanic sites serve as vital tourism resources, contributing approximately two trillion baht to the national economy each year.
The primary goals of these initiatives are to enhance public awareness of environmental conservation and to support the growth of the maritime and coastal ecotourism industries. An essential focus will be on promoting eco-friendly packaging and curbing the use of single-use plastics.
According to the Prime Minister, the 72 Thai Beaches Conservation project is a joint effort involving the interior, tourism, and sports ministries along with the Natural Resources and Environment ministry. The initiative will span seven major coastal provinces: Trat, Rayong, Chon Buri, Surat Thani, Trang, Krabi, and Phuket.
This project prioritizes beach sustainability and cleanliness, aligning with a national plastic waste management strategy. It will be executed through four key strategies: promoting the production and use of eco-friendly packaging, enhancing waste management practices, and facilitating waste collection efforts.
Officials expect that at least 80% of operators in these areas will transition to eco-friendly packaging, while local authorities will be tasked with developing effective waste management solutions.
The Phuket Maritime Conservation Sandbox also aims to eliminate the sale of single-use plastics and improve waste management practices to prevent litter from entering the ocean through rivers and canals.
Overall, these projects are designed to foster sustainable conservation practices while providing a better experience for visitors, the Prime Minister stated.
