13 Dec, 2024

Launch of Thai Islands Clean-up Campaign reveals shocking level of garbage crisis

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – Thai environmental and tourism groups have teamed up to launch a garbage clean-up campaign on 30 popular tourist islands with the aim of creating a new world record by World Oceans Day June 8, 2025. Announced in a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand (FCCT) on 04 Dec 2024, the “30+ Islands Clean-Up: So Cool Mission” campaign was accompanied by shocking revelations about the role of Travel & Tourism in exacerbating the garbage problem.

The following images speak for themselves.

The press conference was addressed by Dr. Wijarn Simachaya, Director of the Thailand Environment Institute and former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; and Mr. Jaturon Phakdeewanich, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, along with representatives from the Thailand Sustainable Islands Alliance (TSIA), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), WWF, Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), EcoThailand Foundation, The Islands’ Guardian, Thailand’s 30×30 Network, OGGA Circular, the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), the Thailand Science Research and Innovation Promotion Commission (TSRI), the Marine Science Association of Thailand, and academic institutions such as Ramkhamhaeng and Silpakorn Universities.

The campaign invites eco-conscious travellers and volunteers from around the world to join forces with the TSIA network in cleaning up marine debris from the islands, spanning beaches, mangroves, and coral reefs. Key participating islands include Eastern Islands: Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Koh Mak, Koh Jik, Gulf of Thailand Islands: Koh Thalu, Koh Phithak, Koh Samui, Koh Matsum, Koh Phaluai, Koh Tan, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Andaman Islands: Koh Payam, Koh Phuket, Koh Racha, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Lipe, and others.

Organisers said that the 30+ Islands Clean-Up is more than just an environmental project – it’s a movement. The campaign seeks to empower island communities as stewards of their ecosystems. By addressing the root causes of marine debris and establishing sustainable waste management systems, the initiative envisions a future where marine waste is not just disposed of but transformed into valuable resources through recycling and fair-trade practices.

Speakers highlighted the urgency of the issue. Dr. Wijarn described the vulnerability of island ecosystems, noting their limited resources and unique biodiversity. Dr. Pinsak revealed that 88% of marine debris in Thailand consists of plastic, calling for immediate action to prevent further harm to marine life and ecosystems. For his part, Mr. Jaturon celebrated the role of island communities as both guardians and beneficiaries of sustainable tourism. Reflecting on the success of past efforts like the “Koh Tao Declaration,” he expressed confidence that this campaign would build on those foundations to achieve even greater impact.

Dr. Wijarn explained that island ecosystems are incredibly fragile and complex. This is due to their limited area, unique biodiversity, and reliance on external resources. Marine debris that accumulates on islands is often brought in by ocean currents, both from external and internal sources. Many islands face significant challenges in managing waste due to their limited resources, and smaller islands often lack adequate spaces for proper waste disposal.

These limitations result in inefficient waste management systems, both locally and regionally. To address this, establishing a regional network for island waste management and developing tailored systems for islands are critical. Such efforts would help reduce the threats posed by accumulated waste on islands and enable ecosystems to recover in a sustainable way.

Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, emphasized that marine debris is a significant source of marine pollution, severely affecting coastal and marine resources and environments. According to statistics from 2024, 88% of marine debris found in coastal ecosystems consisted of plastic waste, highlighting the ongoing challenges Thailand faces in managing plastic waste.

The data reflects persistent issues and obstacles in the country’s efforts to address plastic waste management, including limitations in legal frameworks, regulations, and related measures. The unique challenges of managing plastic waste on islands further exacerbate the problem, allowing plastic debris to continue flowing into the ocean at an increasing rate.

The “30+ Islands Clean-Up: So Cool Mission 2025” marks the beginning of a meaningful collaboration aimed at integrating efforts between the department, the TSIA network, and various engaged stakeholders to reduce waste on islands and prevent it from entering the sea by creating effective, systematic, and sustainable waste management systems.

Mr. Jaturon highlighted the significance of managing Thailand’s marine and island tourism resources. He praised the efforts of the Thailand Sustainable Islands Alliance (TSIA), describing this initiative as a powerful example of the role island communities play as both hosts and custodians of natural resources that generate substantial revenue for the country. He referenced the “Koh Tao Declaration”, which was launched during Thailand’s first Sustainable Island Tourism Symposium in 2023 on World Oceans Day. The declaration underscored a strong commitment to sustainable island tourism development and the pursuit of net-zero carbon tourism.

Recognizing the importance of these efforts, the Department of Tourism has continuously supported initiatives to achieve these goals. These include drafting action plans for sustainable island tourism development, promoting low-carbon societies, and fostering sustainable green growth. The department has also supported the Sustainable Island Tourism Symposium, with its first edition held on Koh Tao, the second on Koh Lanta, and the upcoming third event scheduled for Koh Chang on World Oceans Day 2025.

He said “30+ Islands Clean-Up: So Cool Mission 2025” project will allow tourists to participate in activities that demonstrate social and environmental responsibility at tourism destinations. The Department of Tourism aims to elevate island tourism management by ensuring active community participation, helping to protect, conserve, and sustainably utilize these valuable areas for generations to come.

Mr. Wichit Yala, President of the Lanta Tourism Association and host of Thailand’s 2nd Sustainable Island Tourism Symposium held in June 2024 expressed that waste management has long been a heavy burden for island communities. He emphasized the critical need for collaboration from all sectors to understand and support the efforts of island residents in preserving the richness and beauty of these vital tourist destinations.

“We, the island communities, invite everyone to become guardians of the sea and the islands by registering to participate in this activity across more than 30 islands through channels that will be announced shortly. This activity is more than just a cleanup; it’s about adding value to marine waste, creating income for local communities, and elevating Thailand’s island tourism to new heights,” said Mr. Wichit.

The “30+ Islands Clean-Up: So Cool Mission 2025” network was formed during the Sustainable Island Tourism Symposium on World Oceans Day, June 8, 2023, held in Koh Tao, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province. The third edition of the symposium is scheduled to take place from June 8-9, 2025, on Koh Chang, Trat Province.

For further information:

Ecosystem Foundation, 99/126 Kanchanavithi Road Bang Kung Sub-district, Mueang District, Surat Thani 84000. Call www.ecothailand.org