Koh Tao Better Together: crowdfunding to support livelihoods and restore biodiversity in times of crisis

Koh Tao is an island in Thailand with rich biodiversity and considered one of the best diving sites in the world. Tourism is the main source of income for locals, with up to 700,000 visitors per year before COVID-19.

With the pandemic, taxi and small fishing boat drivers lost their income. UNDP BIOFIN partnered with the Krungthai Bank, Raks Thai Foundation, UNDP Thailand, and the Koh Tao Sub-district Municipality to launch “Koh Tao Better Together”: a crowdfunding campaign to support the livelihoods of those affected by the interruption in tourism while contributing to biodiversity conservation. The campaign raised USD 92,847, surpassing the target of USD 64,800 within 90 days.

Funds were used to create a cash-for-work program. 200 boat drivers were hired for three months to clean beaches, collect marine debris, and mobilize locals. These efforts resulted in the collection of 40 tons of marine debris and engaged the local community in long-term conservation.

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