Thailand marine conservation and diving vacation

Environment

Wildlife
Research and conservation of coral and fish are the primary aims of this project. All of the research gathered on the project is fed into an international database, from which many studies are initiated. The project works with researchers from universities worldwide, working together to understand in more detail the destruction of the coral reef and how to reverse this trend. Regular beach clean ups are also run, so that any litter or rubbish left is cleaned up quickly and not allowed to pollute the sea, thus damaging marine life.

Environment
Our company is an environmentally responsible one that operates recycling and reusing of waste products. We also offset carbon emissions in our office (gas,electricity, business mileage) and encourage all participants to offset their flight emissions via a carbon offset scheme run in conjunction with Tree Aid.

Participants are advised to use hand wash gel that does not require water. We also advise, during our pre departure course, to take care with water. In many of our destinations, water is precious and expensive.

Community

Meeting local needs
Volunteers live and work as a member of the local community. This is a small community, located off the traditionally trodden tourist trails, and so bringing volunteers to this area really benefits the local population. Food is bought from local markets and restaurants, trips are all sourced locally and local transport is used when needed.

Campaigning for change
A project has been launched to research different types of sail rock under the sea at this project. When enough data has been gathered, this means that it will be listed and acknowledged within the Thailand Conservation Framework.

Volunteering and charity
Whilst the majority of the costs go towards paying for the project, a generous donation is given towards the research and improving the conservation effort.

Cultural sensitivity
We emphasise the importance of showing respect for local people and their customs in our briefing material. Participants will work alongside permanent staff, forming close bonds and getting an insight into real life in rural Thailand.

We send restricted numbers of people at any one time, which minimises the environmental and social impact that the participants have on the destination. Our participants become fully immersed and integrated into the community.

All of our participants receive comprehensive pre-departure briefing. This covers topics on how to be culturally sensitive, how to best look after the environment when in the country and how to stay safe as well as up to date information on the political situation. They are also briefed on how to dispose of waste properly and where possible, to avoid using plastic water bottles as these are not easy to dispose of environmentally.