Signing the agreement were Governor Nisit Chansomwong and his deputy, along with heads of local units such as the Office of Natural Resources and Environment, the Phuket Marine Office, and the Rawai Municipality. On the private sector’s side were representatives from various hotels, resorts and restaurants.
Gov Nisit said that the agreement had two main objectives, sustainable waste disposal management and sewage treatment on the island under the integrated efforts of both government and private sectors.
Welcoming the move, the head of Racha Yai Island Conservation and Self Protection Group Sanit Chandee said the group appreciated the government’s seriousness given to environmental protection as it was a good beginning of sustainable tourism.
“All Racha Island villagers have pleasure in joining Phuket officials in preserving Racha Island̕s environment.
“We agree that officials are serious in solving the polluted water issue here, epecially the big businesses on Racha island,” he said.
The agreement designates tourist yachts not to dispose solid waste into the sea, whereas tourism operators must completely avoid getting rid of waste from their businesses into canals and also the sea.
Earlier this year the klong on Racha Yai Island was cleaned out at two points where it was blocked by garbage and held back stagnant water. The issue was ongoing for several years due to disagreements between officials and a local resort owner. (See story here)
In addition, waste reduction and separation on Racha Yai Island is also needed in line with the agreement.
For organic waste, participants in the agreement can transform it into compost or any appropriate form of waste and locate them in appropriate places before Rawai Municipality takes them to waste a treatment plant.
However, waste collection by the municipality will be charged from those involved at prices designated by law.