February 13, 2025 – The World Wide Fund for Nature Thailand (WWF), in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the United Nations Environment Programme Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (UNEP COBSEA),held a press conference to launch the Plastic Smart City Action Plan in Koh Tao Municipality. This initiative is part of the MA-RE-DESIGN Project, which focuses on reducing single-use plastic (SUP), sustainable design, and recycling plastic packaging to prevent marine litter. This initiative marks a significant collaboration aims to promote the reduction of single-use plastic (SUP) within the tourism sector and local communities while advancing waste management measures tailored to local contexts for both short- and long-term impacts. The project emphasises the development of well-designed strategies that prioritise the advantage of local stakeholders, ensuring the effective reduction of single-use plastic (SUP),improved waste segregation, and the sustainable management of resources.
The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Apichart Meepean, Deputy Mayor of Koh Tao Municipality, representing Koh Tao Municipality, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province, who presided over the opening ceremony. The event was also attended by the Koh Tao Tourism Association, led by its President, Mrs. Rumluek Assavachin, along with representatives from the Koh Tao Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Ban Koh Tao School, Village Health Volunteers, the local communities, and tourism business operators in the area. A total of 19 tourism businesses participated in the project and signed the “Plastic-Free Oceans: Commitment from the tourism sector in Thailand”. The participating businesses include:
- Assava Dive Resort
- Baan Talay Resort & Yoga
- Ban’s Diving Resort
- Barracuda Restaurants
- Black Turtle Dive
- Breeze Cafe & Restaurant
- Crystal Dive
- Juicy Burgers
- Koh Tao Cabana Resort
- Koh Tao Regal Resort
- Ko Tao Paradise Resort
- Koppee Café
- New Heaven Dive School
- NUI Bakery @ SABAI
- Phoenix Divers
- Roctopus Dive
- Sairee Hut Resort
- The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel
- View Point Resort
Additionally, the event featured the distribution of organic waste bins to the local communities and businesses within Koh Tao Municipality, supported by the MA-RE-DESIGN project. This initiative aims to promote proper waste segregation, enhance waste management efficiency, and reduce contamination of recyclable plastics. The bins were officially received by Mr. Uaychai Srithong, Permanent Secretary of Koh Tao Municipality, on behalf of the community.
This event marks a significant step in establishing Koh Tao as a model for environmentally conscious tourism and a pioneer in systematic plastic waste management. It aims to drive sustainable change and preserve the island’s natural beauty for future generations.
For further information, please contact:
Khun Eknarin Ariyavongvivat, Marine Conservation Leads, and MA-RE-DESIGN Project Manager.
Email: eknarina@wwf.or.th
