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Environmental Programs

Coral Restoration Project

According to the Intergovernmental panel on Climate Change (IPCC), small islands are very much in the frontline of climate change with their impact on people, economies, tourism income and ecosystems likely to be severe. Scientists claim that most of the world’s ocean reefs have been killed or severely damaged with the remainder in certain jeopardy.

Preservation and health of the coral ecosystem is an urgent priority that needs to be addressed as so many local livelihoods in both tourism and fisheries sectors depend on them. Some of the world’s most diverse coral reef ecosystems are found in Thailand, habitat to some 600 species of coral reef fish and many other marine species. Koh Wai also harbors one of Asia’s most stunning coral reefs and is arguably the most beautiful island in the Koh Chang island cluster. But due to factors such as pollution, global warming, habitat destruction, and overfishing, this beautiful underwater garden is in extreme danger.

To address this issue, in May of 2007, the International Cultural & Educational Foundation (ICEF) launched its Coral Restoration Project in Koh Wai Pakarang Coral Resort in cooperation with the Marine Science Activity Conservation Foundation (MSACF) chaired by Professor Prasarn Sangbaiboon and Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University in Thailand. Right now, we are using a method developed with tremendous effort by Professor Prasarn for over 10 years in which PVC pipes are used as the nursery for coral re-growth. It has produced good results re-growing corals at a rate that is almost ten times faster than its normal growth rate.

Volunteers ranging from children, college students and tourists are also supporting the effort to preserve the beauty of nature. Youth Camps are being organized for university students to raise awareness. They are taught to cultivate Staghorn corals using PVC pipes at the Foundation at Chonburi province. And on January 26, 2008, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources of Thailand and ICEF signed a Memorandum of Understanding to conserve corals and other endangered species such as Green Sea Turtle, giant clams, anemone fish, and abalone fish. We will work together in this important project to raise awareness of the importance of coral preservation, improve understanding of reef structure and ecology, research to better understand and manage change, and save the coral reefs in the Thai ocean.

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