Local communities in the southern border provinces have joined hands with civil society organizations and groups of volunteers in managing tourism, while protecting the natural environment, for sustainable development.

Their cooperation in environmental protection for the sustainable development of tourism has been carried out in the form of the “Zero Waste Camping” program. Also joining this activity are the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Trash Hero Pattani, Plogging Pattani, and Pattani Outdoor Recreation groups.

The Zero Waste Camping program was launched at Laem Tachi in Pattani province. The second activity under this program was held at Suan Kong in Songkhla, the third one in Thepha district of Songkhla, and the fourth one in Panare, Pattani. The latest one took place in March 2021 at Ban Purong in Krong Pinang district, Yala province.

Participants in the Zero Waste Camping program are required to comply with the rules of the program. For instance, they bring their own food and other necessary items, but they must not create waste from these things.

If garbage is produced, they must be responsible for bringing it back and not leaving waste at the camping site. In this activity, there will be a zone to separate waste for recycling. Food and fruit waste will be used to produce animal feed or fermented into fertilizer for local communities. In so doing, the natural environment will be protected and tourism sites will be kept clean.

In the southern border provinces, there are many natural attractions, such as Ao Manao – Khao Tanyong National Park, Budo – Su-ngai Padi Natural Park, and Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary.

Local communities have been encouraged to handle garbage management seriously and continuously, so that tourism sites in their areas will always be attractive to all visitors.

Source: The Government Public Relations Department