‘Koh Taoism’: conservation initiatives involving travelers and divers

Read more about: Asia, beaches, conservation, greenwashing, islands, marine life, plastic, resorts, scuba diving, Thailand, wildlife

Koh Tao has grown into the scuba diving capital of South East Asia. Nowhere issues more PADI certificates than this small Thai island, just 21 square kilometers in size. But each year brings more and more visitors, and while the island retains its laid-back charm and beautiful scenery, the pressure is beginning to tell. Major threats to the reef are runoff pollution, waste and damage caused by poor boating and diving practices.

‘Koh Taoism’ is an initiative by local businesses and dive operators to lessen the environmental impact of tourism and preserve Koh Tao and its reefs. The slogan hasn’t yet made it onto the web, but visitors to the island can’t miss it. Most of the larger dive operators have signed up to the Save Koh Tao initiative, which involves organizing beach and reef clean-ups.

Back on “terra firma,” the Save Koh Tao Marine Branch holds regular meetings to discuss projects which include habitat enhancement—such as constructing an artificial reef and a nursery for giant clams—ecological monitoring and waste management.

On an individual level there is a drive to reduce plastic usage on the island. Plastic bags blown into the sea can kill turtles and other marine life. Many of the smaller shops and cafés support the ‘no plastic is fantastic’ initiative and offer paper bags instead.

Koh Tao, it seems, is adapting to green tourism. But is it too late? Is this just scratching the surface or—cynics might suggest—putting a green spin on what is outright exploitation? After all, with over 40 dive operators crammed onto the island, the impact may be too much.

Yes and no. The best way for conservation would be to restrict visitor numbers and curtail development altogether. There is already an initiative in place to restrict the expansion and construction of larger resorts, vital in the absence of any real planning regulation. But tourism in this part of Thailand is a given and it brings plenty of employment and benefits to the local community. Educating tourists about the need for conservation in the face of damage they can clearly see is more than greenwash. It is the way forward for more eco-conscious travel.

What you can do

There are over 40 dive operators on Koh Tao, but not all have signed up to the ‘Save Koh Tao’ initiative or a members of the Dive Operators’ Club, which promotes good diving practice and environmental awareness. Make sure that yours is one of them.

Participate in beach and reef clean-ups. The latter involves free diving and lots of fun.

Decline plastic bags when you make a purchase—bring your own.

Consider joining the Save Koh Tao initiative as a volunteer. More information can be found on http://www.marineconservationkohtao.com/.

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