Save Phi Phi Day 2015
Save Phi Phi Day is a yearly event organised by Phi Phi Island Protection and Conservation Team. We work together with them so that Phi Phi may see some really positive changes around the local reefs and beaches.
Koh Phi Phi is naturally stunning, with thousands of visitors coming each day. Earlier this year, both Thai and Western local business owners came together to discuss the impact of tourism on the island. Additionally, ideas were proposed to address problems that needed to be looked at.
Then, what resulted was the founding of ‘Phi Phi Island Protection and Conservation Team’ (‘PACT’) which is a great step forward for Koh Phi Phi!
The local community and dive shops are determined to help conserve these islands and encourage visitors to do the same. Therefore, community cleanup days such as ‘Save Phi Phi Day’, the King or Queen’s birthday cleanups are so important.
Why we need Save Phi Phi Day
Firstly, the main problem is the increase of plastic and other waste washing up on beaches. This is not only an eyesore but also damaging to marine life. Turtles are very much at risk as they often mistake plastic for jellyfish which they like to eat. This is devastating for their digestive system and they often get tangled in the nets, garbage and plastic causing them injury or worse.
Another problem was that boat anchors being dropped on corals due to the number of boats visiting the island and lack of moorings.
Additionally we are seeing bad behavior more often on snorkeling and diving tours. For example allowing their guests to stand on the corals, collect animals, littering and feeding fish.
Let’s make a difference!
The aim of PACT is to preserve the island’s beauty both above and below the water so how can we do this?
Education
We want to educate and encourage responsible business practices when it comes to all boat tours. All tour and boat agents should ensure guests are briefed to follow safety rules and ensure preservation of local ecosystems.
Regular Clean-Ups
Every 10 days there is a cleanup on Koh Phi Phi which is organised by the Protection Team. Additionallly, Trash Hero Phi Phi host regular cleanups. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates on the island cleanup events.
Anyone who has dived with Blue View Divers will know that we do our best to clean our local beaches and dive sites when we can. With everyone doing a little bit each day we can make a huge difference.
There are new garbage and recycling bins around Tonsai Town and signs threatening a 2000 THB fine for littering. Streets have been recently paved and palm trees planted around the island next to the new sea wall.
Installation of Mooring Lines
Over the past few months, mooring lines and buoys have been installed around Phi Phi Leh. There should be no reason for boats to drop anchor onto the reef below. Viking Dive Site is home to a Coral Nursery and Artificial Reef Project is now a protected area where boats cannot enter. Not only does that save the reef from anchoring but also increases safety for divers and snorkelers.
SAVE PHI PHI DAY – 20TH OCTOBER 2015
There was a massive cleanup above and below the water around Koh Phi Phi. It went well with a massive turn out of volunteers and hundreds of kilos of rubbish collected!
Blue View Divers spared two of our team to assist in the ‘official’ cleanup however our divers spent their surface interval to cleanup a small beach in Maya Bay. We cleared 8 bags of rubbish from the beach with the helping hand of our divers and some other tourists! Our captain recommended that we stockpiled what we couldn’t take on the boat and will be collecting over the next few days.
Thank you to our divers and staff for your help in our beach clean up; Kellie, Diane, Luisa, JP, Gerne, Caroline.
If you witness bad behavior please report to National Park, or let us know.