A groundbreaking endeavor in the realm of sustainable tourism took center stage on World Oceans Day, as Assistant Professor Supawadee Photiyarat, alongside a team of dedicated co-researchers, unveiled practical research on Carbon Neutral Tourism (CNT) on Koh Lanta. This significant event, the 2nd Thailand Sustainable Island Tourism Seminar, held at Klong Dao Beach in Lanta District, Krabi Province, was a convergence of minds under the theme “Syncing the Power of Value Creating new value for Thai islands.”
In a collaborative effort with the island community comprising 33 islands and 31 network organizations, Assistant Professor Supawadee Photiyarat steered discussions toward the “Island Shaking Strategy,” aimed at synergizing the power of value towards a new appreciation of Thai islands. The focal point of the dialogue was the presentation of the pioneering concept of Net Zero Carbon Island Tourism, which has been nurtured through domestic and international partnerships.
The initiative has led to the development of 183 net zero carbon tourism routes (CNT Routes), strategically designed to appeal to international markets. These routes come with a form of self-certification/participation endorsed by internationally recognized partners, accompanied by a Zero Carbon Application (PCR travel service), catering to over 400 users monthly, offsetting an average of 31.5 carbon per month tCO2eq (data Nov. ’23 – May ’24). This concerted effort supports the sale of small carbon credits in the Thai Carbon Market, driving 23 islands, including prominent names like Ko Lanta, Ko Kho Khao, and Ko Phra Thong, to become designated CNT Destinations.
Key figures from various sectors, including tourism, environmental conservation, and academia, graced the seminar, including Mr. Amrit Siripornjuthakul, Advisor to the Krabi Provincial Tourism Industry Council, and Dr. Wicharn Simachaya, Director of the Thai Environment Institute. The panel of experts discussed pressing issues such as developing standards for net zero carbon maritime tourism, managing carbon emissions in diving tourism hotspots, and fostering innovation in the net zero carbon tourism sector.
With meticulous research and collaborative efforts, this initiative signifies a significant step towards achieving Net Zero Tourism, heralding a new era of environmentally conscious travel practices in Thailand and beyond.
