General News

Beach cleanups are crucial for maintaining the cleanliness and sustainability of coastal environments. On June 25th, 2024, Walailak University (WU) organized a beach cleanup event to address the issue of litter and waste accumulation along Bo Non Beach, Thasala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat (NST), Thailand. The activity was led by the Center for Academic Services (CAS) and the WU Marine Conservation Club (WU_MCC), School of Science, WU in collaboration with the Marine and Coastal Resources Office 5, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), Thasala Tambon Administrative Organization, local school teachers and students, Thasala Trash Hero Group, Thasala Baan Rao Group, WU Tha Sung Beach Development Club, beach lovers, local leaders, and communities.

The beach cleanup initiative at Bo Non Beach is an example of how collaborative efforts between academic institutions and local communities can contribute to the preservation of coastal ecosystems. By engaging students and the public in hands-on environmental stewardship activities, the event aimed to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the local beach environment. The event involved participants from the university as well as residents of the Thasala community, who worked voluntarily together to collect and remove the litter from the beach. In addition, several exhibition booths providing environmental conservation knowledge to drive students and the public to learn how to properly sort and manage waste. With more than 250 participants, 317 kilograms of marine debris were collected and randomly sorted using the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) method. Most of the waste consisted of foam debris, single-use plastic containers and utensils (plates, spoons/forks), straws, and plastic bags. As results, the activities were not only to remove existing waste and debris but also to raise awareness among the community

about the importance of proper waste management and environmental conservation. The event was honored by Mr. Rabill Thongnark, the Director of the NST Marine Conservation Center, DMCR, who presented certificates of appreciation to those who played a significant role in supporting the local beach cleanup activities. This initiative represents a step towards reducing waste, enhancing and maintaining environmental quality, ensuring sustainable waste management, strengthening communities, and fostering sustainable development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals include SDG 12 (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns), SDG 14 (Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), said Mr. Phusit Horpet, a project leader and a lecturer in the Marine Science Program, WU.

For more details (in Thai): https://cas.wu.ac.th/archives/27986 

Reported by Francis Walugembe and Phusit Horpet, Walailak University