KRABI, THAILAND – A new project in Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park aimed to combine protection of the famous Maya Bay with sustainable tourism in the Andaman Sea.
Project launched to safeguard Maya Bay
In the coastal town of Krabi, Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, together with the Andaman Natural Resources Conservation Foundation and several network partners, officially launched the “Save Maya, Save Pakarang” project. The initiative was designed to promote sustainable forms of tourism while strengthening marine conservation across the Andaman Sea.
Political backing and high-level guests
The opening ceremony at the Hat Noppharat Thara activity grounds was led by Angkoon Silathewakul, the governor of Krabi. Senior figures attended, including Samran Sinthong from the Senate’s Extraordinary Commission on the Protection and Consolidation of the Monarchy and Surasak Anuson, director of Protected Areas Regional Office 5.
Education, dialogue and environmental action
To mark the start of the project, organizers held educational and environmental activities focused on protecting natural resources. These included a specialist forum where national park directors and environmental experts discussed strategies for conserving natural resources in a panel format.
Awareness-raising for residents and youth
In addition, the organizers set up learning stations where local residents and young people could obtain information on marine conservation. The aim was to sharpen awareness within the local population of the fragility of marine habitats around Krabi.
Royal guidelines and hands-on restoration
The initiative presented itself as a contribution to implementing royal guidelines on preserving and restoring the country’s marine resources. Immediately after the opening, participants travelled to the world-famous Maya Bay to take part in practical restoration measures, including the planting of coastal trees to help stabilize the shoreline ecosystem.
Mooring buoys to protect coral reefs
As part of the action, mooring buoys were installed to provide fixed anchor points for boats and better organize maritime tourism. The buoys were intended to prevent ship anchors from damaging sensitive coral reefs, which are crucial for biodiversity and the area’s appeal to visitors.
Broad alliance for Krabi’s natural heritage
The project highlighted that government bodies, private companies, educational institutions and civil society groups had committed themselves jointly to the long-term protection of Krabi’s natural heritage. This cooperation was meant to ensure that the globally renowned landscapes around Maya Bay could continue to serve as an example of responsible tourism and effective marine conservation.