Q and A Questions to, and replies from, EcoThailand Foundations LLM AI Database
Q. How does EcoThailand Foundation’s educational approach foster community-led environmental stewardship?
A. EcoThailand Foundation’s educational approach fosters community-led environmental stewardship through a multifaceted, inclusive, and action-oriented strategy across various islands and the southern Thai mainland.
Key aspects of their approach include:
1. Comprehensive Environmental Education
EcoThailand provides educational talks and workshops to inform, raise awareness, and encourage residents and visitors to appreciate their local environment, its biodiversity, and low-carbon living, aiming for a carbon-neutral and sustainable circular economy.
Their “Environmental Guardianship Education Program” is a flagship initiative for school children on islands like Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Koh Phaluai. This program harnesses youthful energy by bringing education to life through fun, activity-based learning rather than traditional lectures or worksheets. Activities include beach clean-ups, lessons on macro and microplastics, and birdwatching excursions. The goal is to make environmental responsibility exciting and empowering, developing young environmental leaders who will be future change-makers.
They also provide adult workshops and seminars offering environmental advice and training to community groups, local government (“moo baan”), government departments, and businesses.
2. Focus on Local Knowledge and Self-Reliance
EcoThailand’s education helps locals learn more about their natural resources, empowering them to protect these assets and build islander self-reliance and localism.
The Khume Sake site on Koh Samui serves as an educational and training center where local knowledge, such as Thai herbalism, culinary techniques, arts, crafts, and sustainable tourism, is demonstrated and transferred to Thai people, students, and foreign visitors. This approach ensures that local wisdom is preserved and utilized for livelihood development.
3. Community-Driven Initiatives and Capacity Building
EcoThailand emphasizes that decision-making and direct action for projects are primarily the responsibility of local partners, with EcoThailand providing suggestions, guidance, information, facilitation, and limited financial support through MicroGrants. This approach aims for projects to continue, develop, and flourish independently.
They actively work to aid the effective engagement and coordination of local communities in supporting local initiatives, rooted in a strong belief in “Community Philanthropy” to “Build Back Better” and “Shift the Power”.
They foster community initiatives by offering advice, training, finance, and facilitation, operating in an unobtrusive manner that focuses on capacity building. This includes connecting local leaders and organizations with external resources, grant opportunities, and skills, making an extensive Alliance Network accessible to change-makers in the region.
Community groups, such as those involved in composting, are empowered to manage waste sustainably, reducing landfill use and greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the “Composting for All” program encourages individuals and businesses to compost, and the Kohpost initiative aims to expand into a social enterprise that engages local municipalities.
4. Collaboration and Partnerships
EcoThailand collaborates with a wide cross-section of local groups, including schools, “moo baan” (villages), local people, businesses, and visitors, as well as key government departments, other NGOs, and volunteer groups.
They have formed an “Alliance Network” of over 40 participating members, including resorts, businesses, and government organizations, who commit to environmental principles like waste segregation, recycling, and biodiversity maintenance. This network promotes mutual support and aims for a significant positive impact across the Thai Gulf.
Their collaborative approach also involves working with local governments (Tessabaan) to enhance waste management policies and promote awareness campaigns, recognizing that cultural and language barriers can complicate enforcement.
By integrating education, community involvement, local empowerment, and strategic partnerships, EcoThailand Foundation strives to enable communities to take direct ownership and leadership in addressing environmental challenges and shaping a sustainable future.
Q. What are EcoThailand Foundation’s primary focus areas?
A. EcoThailand Foundation is a Thai non-profit organization dedicated to environmental and community support, particularly on the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, such as Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Koh Phaluai. Their primary focus areas include sustainable waste management, promoting eco-tourism, supporting local communities and livelihoods, environmental education, and water quality monitoring. They work on projects like establishing community gardens, supporting crab nurseries (Crab Banks), implementing waste reduction and recycling initiatives, and providing infrastructure support like rainwater capture and electricity supply.
Q. How does EcoThailand address waste management challenges on the islands?
A. EcoThailand tackles waste management through several approaches. They promote appropriate technologies and innovations based on circular economy principles, such as composting and biochar production, to manage organic waste. They also work with local communities and businesses to encourage responsible waste disposal and recycling, including setting up segregated recycle bin sites and facilitating the transport of waste to mainland reprocessing plants. Additionally, they are involved in projects to address specific waste issues like the identification and recovery of ‘ghost nets’ and the reduction of problematic organic waste like coconut husks.
Q. What is the “Green Island” concept and how does EcoThailand support it on Koh Phaluai?
A. The “Green Island” concept, particularly associated with Koh Phaluai, refers to an island that prioritizes environmental sustainability through the use of renewable energy sources (solar power) and rainwater capture. EcoThailand supports this vision on Koh Phaluai by providing infrastructure like rainwater collection tanks and electricity connections to areas not reached by the central grid, such as the island school. They also promote sustainable tourism initiatives and community self-reliance, aiming to make Koh Phaluai a key example of a low-carbon, bio-diverse eco-tourism destination.
Q. How does EcoThailand engage with local communities?
A. Community engagement is central to EcoThailand’s work. They collaborate directly with local communities, including fishing villages, schools, women’s groups, and informal schools for underprivileged children. They support community-driven initiatives like community gardens, crab banks, and food preservation projects. EcoThailand provides guidance, financial support through microgrants, and helps steer local groups towards shared environmental and social objectives, fostering trust and self-reliance within these communities.
Q. What role does environmental education play in EcoThailand’s activities?
A. Environmental education is a significant component of EcoThailand’s efforts. They conduct educational talks and workshops for both residents and visitors to raise awareness about the importance of the local environment, biodiversity, and sustainable practices. They implement activity-based learning and gamification in schools to teach children about waste segregation, food waste reduction, and the importance of conserving resources. They also utilize tools like birdwatching as an environmental education method.
Q. What are Crab Banks and why are they important?
A. Crab Banks, or crab nurseries, are initiatives supported by EcoThailand in fishing communities on islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Phaluai. These nurseries play a crucial role in addressing the depletion of marine stock due to overfishing. By supporting these community-based nurseries, EcoThailand helps to maintain local fishing skills, promote the sustainability of marine resources, and contribute to food security for the communities. Some Crab Banks are also being developed as potential community tourism venues with educational components.
Q. How does EcoThailand collaborate with other organizations and receive funding?
A. EcoThailand Foundation collaborates with a diverse range of local and international partners, including the Jan and Oscar Foundation, UNDP Thailand, Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF), Intrepid Foundation, Australian Aid DAP, OGGA (Official Global Gift Alliance), ARRI (Aerial Recon and Recovery Initiative), and Robs Dogs. They receive funding from these organizations and other sources, including individual donations, to support their various projects and initiatives on the Thai Gulf islands.
Q. What is the “Thailand Sustainable Islands Network” and EcoThailand’s involvement?
A. The “Thailand Sustainable Islands Network” is a group comprising over 30 islands committed to sustainable island tourism and moving towards carbon neutrality. EcoThailand is a partner in this network and is involved in collaborative initiatives like “The 30+ Islands Clean-up: So Cool Mission 2025,” a global-scale event aimed at setting a world record for simultaneous island clean-up efforts on World Oceans Day. This network facilitates knowledge sharing and collective action towards environmental sustainability across multiple Thai islands.
Q. Provide a 1500 word summary of EcoThailand Foundation
A. EcoThailand Foundation, established in 2015 and formally registered in 2017, is a Thai non-profit NGO with Charitable Foundation Status, headquartered in Surat Thani province, Thailand. The organization emerged from a prior five-year Thai government initiative, the Integrated Community-based Forest and Catchment Management through an Ecosystem Service Approach (CBFCM Project), recognizing the ongoing need for environmental and natural resource work in the region. Its operations are strongly focused on environmental protection and community support across the Thai Gulf, specifically in Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Koh Phaluai, other nearby Gulf Islands, and the provincial Southern Thai mainland, including Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phuket.
Philosophy, Vision, and Mission EcoThailand’s philosophy is rooted in eagerness to learn and transmit knowledge to communities and future generations for environmental sustainability. Its vision is to empower communities and support environmental sustainability in various forms. The mission involves providing knowledge and promoting environmental awareness and sustainability through activity-based learning, community-initiated environmental actions, and ecotourism. The foundation integrates and coordinates efforts among local Thai individuals, communities, government agencies, NGOs, businesses, and interested foreign parties, aiming to “Build Back Better” and “Shift the Power”. EcoThailand also explicitly subscribes to and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Key Areas of Work EcoThailand focuses its work across four main areas: Environment, Education, Community, and Eco-Tourism.
- Environment: The foundation employs a holistic and practical approach to maintaining and improving the local environment, emphasizing sustainability and reverence for nature..
Climate Change Mitigation: This includes promoting carbon offsetting, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, and sustainable practices such as upcycling, water conservation, and low environmental impact lifestyles. They support the TGO Low Emission Support Scheme (LESS) and offer a “Sustainable Island Certification” scheme for businesses, schools, and organizations. Raitiaviset Organic Farm, a partner, has achieved a GHG reduction of 1,013 kgCo2eq.
BioWaste & Composting: EcoThailand addresses the significant issue of organic waste, which constitutes about 50% of waste from tourist businesses and households. They promote community-based bio-waste management to reduce reliance on incineration and landfills, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, smoke, and PM2.5 pollution. Supported by the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) and donations, they distribute free composting bins and offer instruction for home and business use, and provide biochar and charcoal-making units. A project funded by CFLI in 2023-2024 distributed over 300 composting systems, saving 6 tons of bio-waste per month, reducing carbon emissions by 3 tons per month, and producing 5 tons of compost monthly. They also established three community composting facilities, one of which transitioned into a social enterprise called Kohmpost.
Trees – Protection & Conservation: EcoThailand actively catalogues, monitors, and preserves key trees in urban, public, jungle, and mangrove areas on the Gulf Islands. Their “Big Trees on Koh Phangan and Koh Tao” project inspects, maps, and collects data on tree species, height, diameter, and carbon capture potential via the iNaturalist App, aiming to incentivize sustainable tree development. Baan Koh Phaluai School received an honor certificate for its 34 trees storing 79.77 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gases.
Water Quality, Crab Banks, World Cleanup Day, and Eco Assessments: The foundation is involved in monitoring Thai Gulf seawater, river water, and air quality. They support “Crab Banks” (crab nurseries) in fishing communities on Koh Phaluai (Ao1, 3, and 4) by providing educational materials, equipment, and cash for miscellaneous items. EcoThailand organizes and participates in World Cleanup Days, engaging volunteers in beach and roadside cleanups. They also conduct “Eco Assessments”—independent reviews of specific sites—and undertake emergency actions for environmental issues like industrial dumping. The foundation is a member of the Global Waste Cleaning Network.
2. Education: EcoThailand believes in inspiring positive action through knowledge and empowering students to be future leaders in sustainability.
Environmental Guardianship Program: This program educates and empowers school children and adults on Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Koh Phaluai on environmental issues, including climate change mitigation, waste management, nature appreciation, and sustainable lifestyles. Over 600 children have participated in various training events, from drop-in sessions to structured activity days.
Adult Workshops and Seminars: They provide environmental advice and training to community groups, local government (moo baan), and businesses on sustainable and environmentally aware practices.
Local Knowledge Training Center: At Khume Sake, Koh Samui, EcoThailand uses the site as a base for projects like “Composting for All” and as a meeting location for training Thai students and locals in environmental projects, local wisdom aspects of Thai herbalism (with Honey Rose Herb Garden), gardening, and cooking. A proposal sought funding to refurbish existing buildings into an all-weather training center for local people, students, and foreign visitors, offering workshops on Thai herbalism, culinary techniques, arts and crafts, massage, and sustainable tourism.
Interns and Volunteers: EcoThailand accepts interns and volunteers on various terms (single day, short-term, long-term) to support their objectives, with interns often sponsored by academic or business organizations. In 2024, they hosted interns from Walailak University, Thailand, and HOGENT University, Belgium.
3. Community Support: EcoThailand has a major commitment to local community support, integrating and expanding community projects to often equal or exceed their environmental activities. They focus on capacity building to improve organizations’ and groups’ ability to function effectively in a changing environment.
Community Garden Projects: The foundation supports existing community garden initiatives on Koh Phangan (Koh Phangan Community Garden, Koh Phangan Health Volunteer Garden, Raitiaviset Organic Cooperative) and Koh Samui (SOS Community Garden), and considers new sites on Koh Phaluai. Raitiaviset Organic Farm, a major beneficiary of EcoThailand’s MicroGrant system, received support for equipment maintenance and workshops for visitors, students, and locals.
Partnerships with Community Groups: They work closely with Alliance Partner Sisters on Samui, promoting their cause and engaging in joint projects. They also support the Free Yoga Community Samui through MicroGranting and acting as their Fiscal Agent.
Support for Underprivileged: EcoThailand interacts with all Thai state schools on Koh Phangan and provides MicroGrants to the Phangan Non-formal and Informal Education Centre, which caters to children from underprivileged backgrounds.
Emergency Services and Fiscal Agency: They provide Emergency Volunteer Group support on Koh Phangan. EcoThailand also offers fiscal agent support for unregistered charitable and community groups on Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao, helping them receive tax-exempt donations.
4. Eco/Agro/Community Tourism: This is a developing area of focus for EcoThailand, linking with many of their other activities across the Thai Gulf. Ecotourism is defined as responsible travel that conserves the environment, sustains local well-being, and involves education.
Koh Phaluai Focus: Koh Phaluai, described as a “Green Island” with solar power and rainwater capture, is a key target for sustainable, low-carbon tourism initiatives. Despite its undeveloped infrastructure and fishing-based community, a new pier and car ferry pose a risk of mass tourism. EcoThailand’s mission is to provide planning, advice, and guidance to transition islanders towards an environmentally and economically balanced future, supporting ventures like Paluay Bungalow Resort, which focuses on sustainable and eco-tourism. They aim to enhance “Connect with Nature” projects, influence other areas of the island, and encourage similar activities.
Partnerships in Tourism: EcoThailand works with the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) and global travel companies like Intrepid Travel to promote sustainable tourism. Intrepid Travel has agreed to a 5% profit payment as sponsorship from EcoThailand-suggested client venues, and a grant/sponsorship of 80,000 baht (2500 USD) was negotiated for 2023. EcoThailand also partnered with Phaluai Sustainable Tourism Team, Official Global Gift Alliance (OGGA), and Aerial Recon and Recovery Initiative (ARRI) to enhance capabilities on Koh Phaluai.
Organizational Structure and Funding EcoThailand Foundation is run by an international team led by Thai nationals. The Board of Directors includes Jiraporn Pierret (Executive Director/Chairperson), Jintamard Sinlapaprommard (Co-Founder, Vice Director/Vice Chairperson, and Secretary), and Nathamon Sinlapaprommas (Treasurer). John Fitton is a Co-Founder and Benefactor. The organization operates with two registered offices: Surat Thani City Main Office and a branch office on Koh Phangan. All key directors are unpaid volunteers, maximizing resources for projects with minimal overheads.
Funding comes from donations, sponsorships from local, national, and international businesses, and grants from government and international agencies. Major funders include:
Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF): Grant of 9,000 USD (Aug 2020 – Jul 2021) and 11,800 USD (Jan 2022 – Jan 2023).
United Nations Development Program (UNDP): Grant of 20,000 USD (Oct 2020).
Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI): Grant of 12,906 CAD (Aug 2023 – Mar 2024). This funded a bio-waste management evaluation project.
Intrepid Foundation: Funding for projects like “Connect with Nature” on Koh Phaluai (5,000 AUD requested in 2024) and prior educational programming. They also pledged 191,447 THB in 2023 and 199,282 THB in 2024.
Jan and Oscar Foundation: Co-supported a project for Koh Phaluai Island School and Communities (250,000 baht suggested, total cost 32,520 THB).
C&C (Travel): Funded the establishment of a “Local Knowledge Training Center” at Khume Sake, Koh Samui (total cost 65,000 thb).
DAP Grant Program (Australian Aid): Requested 12,000 AUD (total budget 15,000 AUD) for Koh Phaluai projects, including local infrastructure support and microgrants.
Rotary Samui: Received a grant of 50,090 THB in March 2025.
Give2Asia: An individual donor funded acceptance by Give2Asia, allowing access to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt donations for US citizens and businesses.
Other Donors: Received over 200,000 baht (6000 USD) in donations or pledges from individual and corporate donors.
EcoThailand also has two grant applications that were not funded: one to the Japanese government (submitted March 2024) and one to the Czech government (submitted September 2023, for a total of 857,400 CZK for bio-waste management).
MicroGrants Program: Initiated in 2020 with GFCF funding and extended by UNDP in 2021, this program supports new or innovative projects on Koh Phangan and surrounding Gulf Islands, focusing on environmental enhancement and community support. MicroGrants typically range from 1,000-10,000 THB and require applicants to provide an equivalent or greater matching contribution (cash, goods, or services). Grant holders are automatically enrolled in the EcoThailand Alliance Network.
Partnerships and Collaborations EcoThailand actively forms an Alliance Network, a free-to-join group of businesses, environmentally aware enterprises, governmental, and community-based organizations. Members commit to community philanthropy principles, waste management (cleaning, segregating, recycling), biodiversity maintenance, and supporting wider island-based initiatives. The foundation also liaises and facilitates between businesses, local government agencies (tessabaan), NGO groups, and volunteer groups.
Key partners and collaborators mentioned include:
Phaluai Sustainable Tourism Team, Official Global Gift Alliance (OGGA), and Aerial Recon and Recovery Initiative (ARRI).
Honey Rose Herb Garden and Art (for Thai herbalism and gardening/cooking).
Walailak University and HOGENT University (for interns).
The National Research Council of Thailand (supports Crab Banks).
Sisters on Samui Foundation.
TEATA (Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association) and global travel companies like Intrepid Travel.
CoreSea, SamuiMala, Samui Special Needs Foundation, Rotary Club of Samui-Phangan.
Global Waste Cleaning Network (EcoThailand is a member).
IUCN (in Urban Climate Resilience in Surat Thani province).
Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) and Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO).
Impact and Approach EcoThailand’s work has had multiple positive impacts at demographic and geographic levels, leading to improved island environments (e.g., decreased trash, reduced GHG emissions, increased land productivity), enhanced islander self-reliance, and promotion of sustainable ventures. The organization aims to increase responsible and environmentally aware visitor numbers, impacting local revenue and quality of life consistent with Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green Economic Model. They believe in a long-term commitment to support projects beyond specific grant periods. The foundation’s overall approach is to build momentum for small changes to have a positive, long-term impact. They emphasize that their core tenets are education, networking, and information exchange, and their support is crucial for these outcomes.
Contact Information:
Address: Karnchanavithee Road, T.Bangkung, Muang, Surat Thani, Thailand 84000.
Contact Person: Ms. Jintamard Sinlapaprommard, Deputy Director.
Email: via our website contact page
Website: www.ecothailand.org.
Social Media: Facebook (multiple pages/groups), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn.
Q. Sumarise ecothailands support and contribution to urban resiliance and nature based solutions
A. EcoThailand Foundation actively supports and contributes to urban resilience and nature-based solutions (NbS) in the Thai Gulf region, particularly in Surat Thani and Chiang Rai provinces
Their support and contributions include:
Participation in Key Initiatives and Forums:
EcoThailand attended the 2nd Surat Thani Provincial Advisory Committee Workshop for the Urban Resilience Thailand project, where progress on nature-based solutions demonstration areas was presented, and guidelines for setting up local working groups for provincial wetland plans were discussed
They also participated in a forum on a draft wetland management plan for Surat Thani Province, organized by the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI)89. This forum emphasized community participation and the application of NbS for wetland protection, restoration, utilization, and management
EcoThailand attended the national forum on “Resilient cities begin with Nature” alongside several partners, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Department of Water Resources, and the Thailand Environment Institute
Advocacy for Strategic Design and Integrated Solutions
EcoThailand supports the understanding that the effectiveness of nature-based solutions comes from the strategy behind their design, emphasizing that they are tools to be adapted to specific problems, rather than ready-made solutions
They recognize that nature is multi-functional and capable of addressing interconnected environmental challenges, contributing to resilience against biodiversity loss. The concept of “multi-functional hybrid infrastructure” which blends engineering with nature to enhance efficiency and integrate seamlessly into urban environments, is also supported
Addressing Climate Risks and Environmental Challenges:
The Urban Resilience Thailand project, which EcoThailand supports, focuses on assessing and mitigating risks such as floods, droughts, landslides, and sea level rise in provinces like Surat Thani and Chiang Rai
Coastal areas, vital for biodiversity and food security, are a focus for preservation, with various nature-based problem-solving models being explored and presented
Demonstration and Practical Application
Examples of NbS in practice include parks designed to function as “sponges” for water storage and treatment using natural methods and aquatic plants
These designs prioritize environmental preservation by not cutting down existing trees, retaining existing roads, creating natural drainage, and using reclaimed materials for construction, fostering a learning environment where people, plants, and animals can coexist
Collaboration and Capacity Building:
EcoThailand facilitates collaboration between local communities, businesses, experts, volunteers, and government agencies to enhance waste management policies and overall resilience
The Urban Resilience project includes work packages dedicated to Capacity Building, Knowledge Sharing, Scaling, and Replication to spread successful NbS approaches
Q. What does ecothailand know about urban resiliance and nature based solutions?
A. EcoThailand Foundation demonstrates a deep and comprehensive understanding of urban resilience and nature-based solutions (NbS), which is central to their mission of empowering communities and fostering environmental sustainability in the Thai Gulf region. Their knowledge is reflected in their strategic approach, active participation in key initiatives, and a wide array of practical projects.
Here’s what EcoThailand knows about urban resilience and nature-based solutions:
1. Foundational Understanding and Strategic Philosophy: EcoThailand understands that the effectiveness of nature-based solutions stems from the strategy behind their design, emphasizing that NbS are tools to be adapted to specific problems, rather than ready-made solutions. They critique the tendency to rush into action without careful analysis. They recognize that nature is multi-functional, capable of addressing interconnected environmental challenges, and plays a crucial role in building resilience against biodiversity loss. They also support the concept of “multi-functional hybrid infrastructure,” which blends engineering with nature to enhance efficiency within compact urban landscapes and integrate seamlessly into urban environments.
2. Climate Change Adaptation and Risk Assessment: EcoThailand acknowledges that climate adaptation is increasingly important as a planning objective for the Thai Gulf, recognizing that climate change will occur despite mitigation efforts. They are involved in projects that assess and mitigate climate risks such as:
Floods
Droughts and water scarcity
Landslides
Sea level rise (relevant to Surat Thani province)
Urban heat island/heat waves
River degradation
Their thematic priority explicitly includes “Environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management”.
3. Key Nature-Based Solutions and Their Application: EcoThailand supports and implements a range of NbS, demonstrating their practical knowledge:
Wetland Management: They actively participate in forums and discussions for developing provincial wetland management plans, emphasizing community participation and the NbS approach for protection, restoration, utilization, and management of wetlands. They also support efforts to register significant wetlands like Nong Thung Thong as Ramsar sites
Water Management and Conservation: They understand the critical importance of water availability and quality, particularly in semi-arid island environments where water is increasingly in short supply. Their knowledge includes:
Promoting water conservation practices to reduce domestic usage.
Supporting rainwater capture systems (e.g., 2×2000 litre tanks for infrastructure support) and purification for potable water supply, as demonstrated at Koh Phaluai school
Conducting sea and river water quality monitoring and analysis for contaminants like bacteria, dissolved oxygen, and metals, spanning many years and sampling sites across the Thai Gulf.
Green Infrastructure and Urban Greening: They implicitly endorse concepts such as parks designed as “sponges” for water storage and natural water treatment using aquatic plants, like Suan Luang Rama IX Park
They also understand the importance of coastal areas for biodiversity and food security, advocating for their preservation against destructive practices like dam construction and dredging
Tree Protection and Conservation: They are actively engaged in cataloging, monitoring, and preserving key trees in urban, public, jungle, and mangrove areas. Their knowledge extends to:
Understanding trees’ role as carbon sinks, biodiversity habitats, and protectors against soil erosion.
Collaborating with arborology experts to provide training on effective tree care and maintenance to local residents, utility providers, and municipalities.
Promoting and sponsoring tree mapping initiatives, with data uploaded to platforms like iNaturalist, to incentivize sustainable tree development and preservation.
Providing mangrove conservation advice on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui.
4. Integrated Waste Management and Circular Economy: EcoThailand’s approach includes robust knowledge of waste management as a critical aspect of urban resilience:
They understand that organic waste accounts for approximately 50% of municipal waste and its proper management can significantly impact local resources and reduce negative environmental impacts
They advocate for reducing reliance on environmentally damaging methods like incineration and landfill, aiming to decrease smoke, PM2.5, and greenhouse gas emissions
They actively implement circular economy principles through initiatives like:
Their “Composting for All” program, which distributed over 400 composting systems to individuals and businesses, saving 8 tons of bio waste monthly, reducing carbon emissions by 5 tons monthly, and producing 7 tons of compost monthly.
Supporting community composting sites, some of which have transitioned into social enterprises.
Promoting the reuse of waste (e.g., turning “trash into cash” through recycling stations on Koh Phaluai)
Advising on waste segregation at resorts and markets, and the increased use of biodegradable alternatives to plastic and styrofoam
5. Capacity Building, Education, and Collaboration: EcoThailand deeply understands that education is the bedrock for maintaining and improving environmentalism and sustainability41. They leverage their knowledge through:
Environmental Guardianship Education Program: Empowering students and adults with a holistic view of environmental conservation, covering topics from climate change mitigation and adaptation to waste management and nature appreciation. They have engaged with over 1000 children across more than 20 schools on Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Koh Phaluai, and the mainland.
Adult Workshops and Seminars: Providing environmental advice and training to community groups, businesses, and government departments on sustainable practices, decarbonization, and circular economy principles. This includes establishing “Teaching Salas” for workshops on permaculture, medicinal herbs, and more.
Local Knowledge Training Centers: Recognizing the value of local wisdom, such as the Local Knowledge center established at Khume Sake on Koh Samui, to transfer knowledge in traditional Thai herbalism, culinary techniques, and sustainable tourism.
Alliance Network: Convening over 40 businesses, environmental enterprises, governmental, and community organizations to support and maintain a clean and sustainable environment and enhance communities in the Thai Gulf…. This network fosters mutual support and knowledge exchange.
Policy Advocacy and Consultancy: Engaging with government agencies and other NGOs (like IUCN, TEI, TGO) on urban environmental management, green space policies, and national biodiversity action plans. They also offer consultancy services on eco-construction principles, environmental regulations, and climate change.
MicroGrants Program: Providing small-scale funding to kickstart innovative environmental and community projects, requiring reciprocal contributions from applicants to foster self-reliance and support localism.
In essence, EcoThailand’s knowledge of urban resilience and nature-based solutions is not merely theoretical but is deeply integrated into their operational framework, reflecting a strategic, community-focused, and adaptive approach to environmental challenges in the Thai Gulf.
EcoThailand Foundation demonstrates a robust and multifaceted involvement with urban resilience and nature-based solutions (NbS), integrating these concepts into their core mission, projects, and partnerships across the Thai Gulf region. Their approach highlights a deep understanding of both the challenges and the strategic application of natural solutions1….
Here’s a detailed overview of EcoThailand’s involvement:
1. Core Philosophy and Strategic Understanding of NbS: EcoThailand views the strength of nature-based solutions as stemming from the strategy behind their design, emphasizing that NbS are tools that must be adapted to specific problems, rather than ready-made solutions. They recognize that rushing into action without careful analysis is not effective7. For EcoThailand, nature is inherently multi-functional and capable of addressing interconnected environmental challenges6. They also support the concept of “multi-functional hybrid infrastructure” which combines engineering with nature for enhanced efficiency in compact urban landscapes and seamless integration into urban environments68. Building urban resilience is explicitly linked to countering biodiversity loss.
2. Addressing Urban Challenges and Climate Resilience: EcoThailand actively engages in projects that address significant urban challenges and climate risks in the Thai Gulf and Southern Thai provinces, including Surat Thani. They recognize that climate adaptation is an increasingly important planning objective, even with mitigation efforts. Specific challenges they address include:
Water-related issues: Water pollution, urban floods, drought and water scarcity, river degradation, and sea level rise. They note that water availability and quality are critically important, especially on semi-arid islands where water is increasingly in short supply due to increased population and tourism.
Air Quality: Reducing atmospheric pollution like smoke and PM2.5, often linked to waste management practices such as burning and landfill. They also operate air quality monitoring stations.
Urban Heat Island/Heat Waves: Recognizing these as multiple challenges alongside water issues.
Waste Management: A key issue due to increasing tourism and inadequate infrastructure, leading to severe environmental problems from solid and liquid waste pollution.
3. Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS): EcoThailand promotes and implements various NbS and related practices:
Wetland Management: They participate in forums for developing provincial wetland management plans, emphasizing community participation and the NbS approach for wetland protection, restoration, utilization, and management. They support efforts to register significant wetlands like Nong Thung Thong as Ramsar sites.
Water Resource Management and Conservation:
They provide mains electricity supply and drinkable rainwater supply to places like Koh Phaluai school, including 2×2000 liter tanks, pipes, and pumps for rainwater capture.
They emphasize water conservation practices to reduce domestic water usage.
They conduct sea and river water quality monitoring and analysis for contaminants like bacteria, dissolved oxygen, and metals, with data collected across numerous sampling sites over many years.
Their office utilizes rainwater collection, thermal efficiency design, and water management principles.
Green Infrastructure and Urban Greening:
They participate in studies of sample measures in Suan Luang Rama IX Park, which functions as a “sponge” for water storage and natural water treatment using aquatic plants, demonstrating a park that helps solve city problems.
They emphasize the importance of preserving coastal areas due to their biodiversity and role in food security, advocating against destructive practices like dam construction and dredging.
They promote tree protection and conservation, recognizing trees as vital carbon sinks, biodiversity habitats, and protectors against soil erosion35…. This includes cataloging, monitoring, and preserving trees in urban, public, jungle, and mangrove areas.
They provide mangrove conservation advice on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Past projects also include the creation of a raised mangrove walkway with educational signage for easy accessibility and minimal environmental impact.
Circular Economy and Waste Management:
They advocate for self-sustaining waste management based on circular economy principles, especially for organic waste.
Their “Composting for All” initiative distributed over 300 composting systems to individuals and businesses, resulting in significant monthly savings of bio waste, reduction in carbon emissions, and production of compost.
They support community composting sites, some of which have become social enterprises.
They promote reusing waste, turning “trash into cash” through recycling stations on Koh Phaluai.
They advise on waste segregation at resorts and markets, and promote biodegradable alternatives.
They have installed bio char and charcoal making units at selected sites.
They consult with municipalities and hotel associations to improve waste management, aiming to decrease reliance on incineration and landfill, thereby reducing smoke, PM2.5, and greenhouse gas emissions.
They supported the repair and updating of a hydraulic leaf plate making machine to supply locally sourced, sustainable, and biodegradable plateware to a street market.
4. Education, Capacity Building, and Collaboration: EcoThailand views education as the bedrock for environmentalism and sustainability. They operate with a “Community-driven initiative” philosophy, providing inputs, guidance, and management support.
Educational Programs: They offer the “Environmental Guardianship Education Program” for school children and adults, covering climate change mitigation and adaptation, waste management, nature appreciation, and sustainable lifestyles. They have engaged over 1000 children across more than 20 schools.
Workshops and Training: They conduct adult workshops and seminars for community groups, businesses, and government departments on sustainable practices, environmental impacts, and climate change.
Local Knowledge Centers: They propose establishing a “Local Knowledge Training Center” at Khume Sake on Koh Samui to transfer traditional Thai herbalism, gardening, and cooking knowledge, consistent with “local wisdom”.
Community Engagement & Capacity Building: They actively involve local communities and volunteers, which has a positive impact on self-worth and purpose, particularly for unemployed community members. They facilitate and connect leaders, organizations, and self-starters with contacts, resources, and skills through their extensive Alliance Network6566. This network comprises over 40 businesses, environmental enterprises, governmental, and community organizations aiming to support and maintain a clean and sustainable environment.
Policy Advocacy and Consultancy: They liaise with and advise government agencies (like Phangan Tessabaan) on waste management strategies and overall environmental considerations. They also collaborate with national and international NGOs and governmental bodies such as IUCN, TEI (Thailand Environment Institute), TGO (Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization), UNDP, ADPC, and the Department of Water Resources on urban environmental management, green space policies, and national biodiversity action plans. They offer consultancy services on eco-construction principles, environmental regulations, and climate change mitigation.
MicroGrants: They provide MicroGrants to kickstart innovative environmental and community projects, requiring reciprocal contributions from applicants to foster self-reliance and support localism.
5. Specific Project Examples and Locations: EcoThailand’s work is concentrated in the Surat Thani province, particularly on Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Koh Phaluai, with broader reach across the Thai Gulf islands and mainland, and even national involvement in initiatives like the “30+ Islands Clean-up” project.
Koh Phaluai: A key focus, particularly with the threats posed by new infrastructure and potential mass tourism. EcoThailand provides advice and guidance to help transition islanders towards an environmentally and economically balanced future, supporting sustainable, low-carbon initiatives and community activities, including dark skies astrotourism to diversify income and promote low-impact tourism.
Koh Phangan & Koh Samui: Major areas for their composting initiatives, community gardens, tree mapping, mangrove conservation advice, and collaboration with local municipalities.
Surat Thani mainland: Involved in the Urban Resilience Thailand project, assessing risks like floods, droughts, landslides, and sea level rise, and demonstrating nature-based solutions.
Through these comprehensive efforts, EcoThailand works to ensure that urban development in the Thai Gulf region is resilient to climate change and driven by sustainable, nature-based practices, with strong community involvement and education at its core.