[Action 4 Changes] Feb. 12, 2022

Koh Yao Noi Protocol

February 12, 2022

Author: Thatsanee Charoenporn

This activity marks the commencement of our marine waste management initiative. We visited to Koh Yao Noi Island, Thailand, where we examined two communities contemplating the establishment of a community-based tourism project in conjunction with the College of Computing (CoC), Prince of Songkla University (PSU) team. Our primary objective during the visit was to assess their current waste management practices.

We discovered that these communities have implemented an effective waste segregation system. They separate food waste, pet bottles, and plastic from general household waste, with all segregated materials being centrally collected at a designated garbage disposal center. Previously, they attempted to convert plastic waste into oil through pyrolysis, under the supervision of a university; however, due to the complexity of the process, the community was unable to sustain it independently, leading to its discontinuation.

Nonetheless, their management of household waste remains commendable. The real issue is the waste that comes in from the ocean. 

During our exploration, we observed a substantial amount of plastic and pet bottles scattered along the island's shores. While there are volunteer groups actively engaged in beach cleaning activities near the communities, waste left behind on uninhabited tourist spots remains a significant issue.

In response to this challenge, we have devised an implementation plan for comprehensive garbage management in collaboration with MUDS, CoC, PSU, and the local communities.