Next Phuket clean-up set for August 6
One of the many groups involved in July's clean-up receives a briefing before starting.
The next island-wide Keep Phuket Clean effort has been set for Thursday, August 6, starting at 3 pm in 28 different locations around the island. Organizers expect more than 5,000 volunteers at this month’s clean up and an even broader involvement from Phuket’s schools, charitable organizations, construction industry and local government. Future clean-ups have been scheduled for the first Thursday of every month till December.
Last month’s Keep Phuket Clean effort saw excellent progress being achieved in new areas around the island. The fishing village on the south end of Bangtao which has been dramatically cleaned up with the support of the staff at the Amanpuri, will post signage and promote itself as the Bangtao Fish market – the west coast’s only fresh daily fish market.
Other new locations include a Chalong focus, expansion into Phuket Town and the mangrove area of Kok Tanod. Royal Phuket Marina, Boat Lagoon, the Ao Po area (site of the recently opened Ao Po Grand Marina) and the Yacht Haven marina in the north of the island have all been involved and are making plans to expand their coverage areas.
“The community is getting behind this campaign and we’re seeing real improvement in beach maintenance and public areas such as beach parking, and there have been concerted efforts by the local [councils] in each location to improve waste management and support the building of public awareness,” said Nick Anthony, spokesman for the Summer in Phuket campaign.
Another truckload of flotsam and jetsam is carried away from the beach during the July clean-up.
“The last three clean-ups have been principally supported and co-ordinated by the hotels and we are seeking now to broaden the involvement into the community, and to continue to expand the monthly coverage. Phang Nga province is joining us on August 6 and will start regular clean-ups at both Natai Beach and Khao Lak. Phi Phi Island is also starting its own campaign.”
The Keep Phuket Clean community outreach program’s goal, using education and private sector support, is aimed at making Phuket residents, hotels, small businesses and tourists more aware of the island’s fragile eco-system and the impact that people have on its flora, fauna and surrounding waters and marine reserves. Also, as part of the ‘Summer in Phuket’ campaign, the organisers say, the clean-ups provide an opportunity to spread positive messages about Phuket to the world.
If the weather does not cooperate on August 6, the clean-up will take place the following day. Until December the groups will continue to meet every month, on the first Thursday of the month: September 3rd, October 1st, November 5th and December 3rd. Those interested in participating can get further information for their particular area locations, times and local organizers at the Summer in Phuket website.
