Saturday, March 20, 2010

Eco-plan sustained for Krabi


Sustainable tourism has been the buzz phrase in the tourist industry for a while now, but a recent event in Krabi proved that both tourist operators and travellers consider it more than just a passing trend.

Rayavadee Resort hosted the Phranang - Railay Sustainable Tourism Development Project on March 9 and 10. The event's aim was not only to promote conservation and protection of the local surroundings and culture from the detrimental effects of tourism, but develop a model which can be used. throughout the Kingdom.

Having learnt from neighbouring Phuket's misguided moves early on in the game, Krabi is aware of the importance of guarding its rich heritage, deep rooted culture and outstanding natural beauty from mismanaged tourism.

Rayavadee Resort has been instrumental in developing and promoting sustainable tourism on the Phranang - Railay peninsula. The premier five star resort, which occupies 26 acres of lush vegetation set against sheer cliffs and the sparkling Andaman Sea, recycles both waste water and garbage.

Rayavadee's Chief Designer, Khun Garnchai explained, "The water recycling system ensures that waste water does not contaminate the sea. The recycled water is used for flushing toilets and watering the plants, which reduces the resort's overall water usage."

He explained how the resort also recycles waste materials from the kitchen and garden, to produce an organic fertilizer. This system addresses the urgent need to convert steep consumption gradients into cycles, where the output of one process becomes a useful input for another. By recycling waste, Rayavadee not only reduces the amount of rubbish disposed, but creates an effective soil regenerative.

The resort's annual mangrove planting involves schoolchildren, visitors and local government representatives anchoring new plant life in this important ecosystem. Aside from restoring nature, this initiative cultivates an environmental consciousness in the local community. By donating floating buoys, the resort also hopes to prevent further damage to the sea bed due to longtail anchors.

A final presentation on Phranang Beach, explained the social, economic and environmental benefits to the community. A signing board inviting tourists to comment on the initiative illustrated the growing demand for responsible ecotourism, as many visitors expressed their sincere hope for the programme's success and left email addresses to receive updates.

As tourism in Thailand relies so heavily on the appreciation of the country's thriving nature and vibrant culture, sustainable ecotourism needs to be recognized on a national level.

Few places on this earth combine the vast range of natural habitats and ecosystems to form the diverse landscape and marine environment of Krabi. Mangroves, beaches, islands, forests, karst caves and shallow reefs are so closely juxtaposed. Not to mention the myriad of cultures residing in the region.

The Railay Sustainable Tourism Development Project aims to protect Railay's many natural treasures and maintain the indigenous culture of the local communities. All efforts work towards ensuring the survival of the natural environment; the livelihood of the local community; and the dreams of those who hope to experience its exceptional beauty.

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