Phuket volunteers join cleanup at Koh Racha

PHUKET: After being lambasted by environmentalists last week, Phuket’s conservation authorities were quick to promote the good work they are doing in repairing Koh Racha Yai’s environment with the coral reef rejuvenation project and beach cleanup being held this weekend.

“This activity is part of a improvement project that we started last year. It aims to rejuvenate the coral reef… and strengthen the economy of coastal communities,” said Boonchop Sutthamanaswong, Director-General of the Coastal Resources Conservation (MCRC) who chaired the opening ceremony.

The coral bleaching in 2009 affected a large part of the Koh Racha Yai coral reef, said Mr Boonchop, who sees this week’s activities as a chance for government and private organizations and local residents to help rehabilitate the beach and marine environment.

Over 100 participants from the government and private sector have volunteered to help with the clean up and reef renovation, which is designed to adjust the marine environment to provide conditions beneficial to coral growth, said Pitul Panchaiyaphum, Director of MCRC in Phuket.

“The poor weather conditions have put a temporary hold on the rejuvenation project. However, it is only a postponement and the clean up and coral transplanting is now due to commence tomorrow morning [June 2],” he said.

— Orawin Narabal