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Ecotourism in Hat Chao Mai - Ko Libong seascape: How it benefits people and nature

Ecotourism in Hat Chao Mai – Ko Libong seascape: How it benefits people and nature

The development of ecotourism in Trang province, Thailand, has been driven by a combination of government policies, viral social media, and local entrepreneurship. The government-initiated conservation measures to protect endangered species, particularly dugongs, and ecosystems like seagrass beds, started with banning destructive fishing practices. This initially caused social conflicts among local fishers, but the government and community groups worked together to enforce these policies and find solutions.

A turning point came when a baby dugong named Mariam, rescued by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, gained widespread attention on social media. The viral video of Mariam sparked public interest in visiting Trang’s Andaman coast, leading to a surge in tourism.

Additionally, community conservation groups helped raise awareness about environmental protection, involving locals and tourists in conservation activities, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. 

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