UPCYCLING THE OCEANS THAILAND
Upcycling the Oceans-Thailand is a collaborative project that began in 2017 with the participation of three partners: the Thai Ministry of Tourism (TAT), PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) and Ecoalf Foundation.
Ports involved
In THAILAND
The objective of the project is to promote waste management solutions in Thailand's coastal and tourist areas. It also includes the transformation of plastic waste into new value-added products; promoting responsible tourism, a circular economy model and consequently a reduction of marine litter in the country.
8 MILLION TONNES OF PLASTIC END UP IN THE OCEAN EVERY YEAR. 60% COMES FROM ASIAN COUNTRIES.
The first phase of the project lasted three years (2017-2020). The pilot areas were Samed, Phuket and the natural area of Ban Phe in Rayong province, all of which are high tourist areas. The aim was to reach out to foreign tourists, diving enthusiasts, the business sector linked to tourism, and the general public. Beach and seabed cleanups were carried out, as well as various environmental awareness actions in these areas and also in Bangkok.
Ecoalf Foundation is currently collaborating in a new phase of the project (2021-2022) led by PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC); the Maritime Department of the Government of Thailand, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT), and the Khon Kaen Fishing Net Company Limited (KKF). The goal now is to raise public awareness so that they can be part of the solution for the plastic waste problem in Thailand's major tourist destinations. The project includes transforming marine litter and discarded fishing nets into demonstrative products that support the circular economy and help promote greater efficiency in the use of plastic.
