A recent article published by Nikkei Asia explores how tourists, diving businesses and conservation organizations on the Thai island of Koh Tao are helping protect marine ecosystems increasingly affected by climate change and tourism pressures.

Koh Tao welcomes more than 500,000 visitors each year, attracted by its coral reefs and rich marine life. But climate change, coral bleaching, intensive tourism, marine debris and damage from boats and diving activities are placing increasing pressure on these ecosystems.

The article highlights how local diving schools and conservation organizations are responding. Visitors can participate in underwater clean-ups, coral restoration, marine monitoring and educational programmes designed to reduce their environmental impact and support reef recovery.

It also features an innovative biodiversity finance solution supported by UNDP and BIOFIN. In 2022, the Municipality of Koh Tao introduced a THB 20 fee for visitors to the island. Revenue from the fee is channelled towards the conservation of coral reefs, seagrasses, mangroves and wetlands.

The initiative demonstrates how destinations can connect tourism revenue with the protection of the natural assets on which their economies and communities depend. Although the contribution required from each visitor is small, collectively it creates a recurring source of domestic finance for local conservation.

The experience also offers a broader lesson: tourists can be more than consumers of nature. With the right financing mechanisms, partnerships and opportunities to participate, they can contribute to protecting the places they visit.

Read the full article, “Conservation makes a splash in Thailand’s coastal waters,” on Nikkei Asia.