The initiative was launched in late July with a ceremony attended by government officials, hotel general managers and associates, NGO representatives and volunteers. Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun formally opened the event, which featured speeches from Arjun Channa, General Manager of JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, and Jirarat Ninpradub, General Manager of Le Meridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach.
Guests also met the three full-time beach cleaners employed under the program, who were commended by Michelle Mouillé, founder of the Sustainable Maikhao Foundation, and Ekorn Phiraponramet, the project coordinator.
The alliance is spearheaded by the Sustainable Maikhao Foundation, a Thai non-profit that connects the private sector, government agencies and community members through environmental action and education.
Partners include Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, Anantara Vacation Club, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Marriott Vacation Club, SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort, Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, Melia Phuket Mai Khao, Le Meridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach, Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa, Maikhao Palm Beach Resort, Coriacea Boutique Resort, alongside the Mai Khao Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor), Sirinat National Park and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation.
“Environmental stewardship is a core value at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas,” said Serge Cuypers, General Manager at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. “We are proud to take part in a project that aligns with our sustainability goals and commitment to environmental preservation. It also reinforces our ongoing efforts to support the local community in protecting and sustaining this unique destination.”
The ‘Monsoon Beach Cleaning Team’ project has already removed 2.5 metric tonnes of rubbish in just one month from the 4.6-kilometre designated cleaning zones. The project doesn’t stop at collection. After every cleanup, waste is sorted into 16 categories so that recyclables can be recovered and materials repurposed. Up to date, nearly one metric tonne of the rubbish removed has been cleaned and sent to recycling projects. The aim is to move beyond simply removing rubbish and instead address the root issues of waste reduction, reuse and recycling.
“We hope that this project will inspire other communities to work together on finding solutions to the growing negative environmental impacts facing ecosystems in Phuket and beyond,” said Michelle with deep conviction.
Since its establishment in 2020, the Sustainable Maikhao Foundation has built a strong record in coastal conservation through beach cleanups, eco-educational workshops, recycling drives and corporate social responsibility activities. In partnership with hotels, schools and community groups, it has removed more than 27 metric tonnes of waste from eight beaches and two islands in Phuket and Phang Nga, with the support of over 8,000 volunteers. The foundation is proud to say that 10 metric tonnes of this waste has been sent to recycling projects.
The foundation’s goals for the next decade are ambitious: collect 50 metric tonnes of waste by 2030 and establish a Recycling & Learning Center. The centre will serve as a hub for environmental education, showcasing innovative recycling techniques and offering training programs for residents, students and hospitality workers.
The ‘Mai Khao as One’ initiative is being hailed as a model for how tourism, conservation and community action can work in unison. By aligning the resources of luxury resorts with grassroots environmental efforts, the alliance is demonstrating that economic development and ecological preservation can go hand in hand.
Sustainable Maikhao Foundation is open to collaborating with other communities in greater Phuket to initiate similar projects with the aim of preserving our island’s diminishing natural resources
For more information, contact Michelle at sustainablemaikhao@gmail.com. Facebook: Sustainable Mai Khao. Instagram: sustainable.maikhao. Website: www.sustainablemaikhaofoundation.org