The ambitious plan was unveiled during a press conference held on Thursday (Feb 1), where the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, in collaboration with the local community, presented their strategy.
Joining the project are the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), Phuket City Municipality’s Environment and Pollution Control Office, and the Pollution Control Department.
STEPPING UP
Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, Chairman of the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, outlined the comprehensive strategy. As a response to Thailand’s commitment at COP 26 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The initiative kicks off with operations in the Thalang Rd area, serving as a model before extending across the entire province. The collaboration involves a meticulous study of carbon dioxide emissions from key sources, such as vehicles, wastewater, electricity consumption, and waste. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions from these sources by 30% within the next 12 months, with regular assessments every quarter.
To promote waste separation, the foundation plans to distribute colour-coded garbage bags in the Old Town area, encouraging residents and businesses to cooperate in the recycling effort. This includes separating organic waste, which will be collected and converted into soil improver, contributing to a more sustainable waste management system.
PPAO President Rewat Areerob emphasised the significance of environmental strategies in the tourism industry. The PPAO has allocated budgets for machines to convert organic waste into soil improvers, supporting five tons per day, with plans to expand this initiative across different areas in Phuket.
Phuket City Municipality has also taken steps to improve areas along Phuket Rd, transforming them into parking lots to reduce traffic congestion in the Old Town area. This move aims to organise parking efficiently for both citizens and tourists.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Parimet Charoennoppakun, an environmental studies expert from the Phuket-based Pollution Control Department Region 15 Office, stressed the importance of monitoring pollution.
“Our office is monitoring various forms of pollution, although Phuket is not as affected by dust and smog as many provinces in the northern and central regions, but pollution released from exhaust pipes from vehicles with engines left on is just as dangerous as dust and smoke,” she said.
“The Environment and Pollution Control Office No. 15 has carried out monitoring of the water quality of Bang Yai Canal and found that the water quality is continuously deteriorating,” MS Parimet said.
“The main cause is the actions of humans. If the community in the Old Town area can work together to reduce the amount of waste drained into Bang Yai Canal, it will have a positive impact on the environment, our way of life, and our tourism image,” she said.
Of note, Ms Parimet made no mention of wastewater flowing across tourist-popular beaches and into the water where tourists swim.
Assoc. Prof Dr Theeranee Ajalakul, Director of the Big Data Institute, discussed the institute’s role in integrating information from various sectors to estimate the carbon footprint. This involves creating a dashboard for measuring, tracking, and inspecting environmental factors, using data and artificial intelligence technologies.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Don Limnanthaphisit, President of the Phuket Old Town Community Association, highlighted concerns about vehicle exhaust affecting residents and tourists. He urged transportation operators to drop off tourists at designated points and park in allocated areas.
The Phuket Old Town Carbon Neutrality Project has garnered support from various agencies, including the Faculty of Environmental Technology at Prince of Songkla University and the Phuket Young Ambassador group. Future projects involve collaboration with tourism agencies to host the GSTC 2025 Global Conference in Phuket, marking a significant milestone for sustainable tourism in Thailand, officials noted.
The success of this initiative could serve as a prototype for other provinces across the country, marking a paradigm shift towards sustainable practices in tourism, officials said.
For more information about the porject, interested parties can contact the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation at 076-610365-6.