The population of Koh Tao involved to preserve its natural heritage
Koh Tao annually hosts no less than 600 000 tourists who come mainly for diving or snorkeling, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. According to Sak-anan Plathong, a Thaï researcher, this tourism pressure has affected coral reefs which have decreased in number and have been adversely impacted by last massive coral bleaching in 2011.
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Local people helped the spectacular recovery of coral reefs of Koh Tao
Yet the recovery of coral reefs was quick and spectacular in Koh Tao compared to Phi Phi and Mu Koh Surin islands and some coral reefs around Phuket Province islands, said Sak-anan who did not hesitate to praise Koh Tao local population for his commitment to the protection of coral. Instead of waiting for government help, the local community created the “Save Koh Tao Club 2000” to preserve the island environment.
Finding the balance between tourism development and environment protection
Sak-anan explained to tourists that it is important not to walk on coral reefs, not to break them and do not feed reef fish; “These acts damage the marine environment and do not respect the laws and regulations of Thailand”. The researcher asked the government to train tourist guides and create more jobs in this field to better educate tourists.
Local authorities are willing to cooperate with the local community of Koh Tao to find the balance between tourism development and environment protection and set an example to other islands kingdom.
