ไทย
Phuket – On November 30, 2024, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in collaboration with the Earth Agenda Foundation, SCG, and Thai Union Group Public Company Limited, installed SCG 3D-Printed Coral Larval Settlement Substrates to restore coral reefs in Siam Bay, Racha Yai Island, Phuket.
The event was attended by Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Mr. Keeree Asakakul, Chairman of Thai Union Group Public Company Limited; Mr. Thiraphong Chansiri, CEO of Thai Union Group Public Company Limited; Mr. Adam Brennan, Group Director of Sustainability at Thai Union Group Public Company Limited; Professor Dr. Nantarika Chansue, President of the Earth Agenda Foundation; and Mr. Chana Phumi, Assistant Vice President of Sustainability Management at SCG. Together, they handed over coral homes created with SCG 3D Printing innovation under the ‘Ruk Talay’ (Love the Sea) project.
Currently, marine ecosystems in many areas are deteriorating due to both natural and human-induced causes. Natural threats include recurring coral bleaching events, which lead to widespread coral mortality. Human activities, particularly tourism-related impacts such as trampling, touching corals, and anchoring boats, also cause significant damage, including coral breakage.
If restoration efforts are not promptly implemented to return these ecosystems to their original state, the long-term effects could severely impact marine biodiversity and the diving tourism industry. To address this, a restoration plan has been devised to increase the availability of settlement substrates for coral larvae. This approach accelerates natural recovery by addressing the loss of original settlement surfaces, which have been replaced by sandy gaps between coral reefs. Adjusting the seabed to create suitable conditions is therefore crucial for ecosystem recovery.
SCG has contributed coral homes through the ‘SCG 3D Printing’ innovation under the “Rak Talay” (Love the Sea) project to restore and conserve the marine environment around Racha Yai Island, Phuket, since 2020. Recognizing the importance of integrating technology into marine resource conservation, SCG collaborated to utilize its 3D Printing technology. This technique involves eco-friendly mortar printing to create settlement substrates for coral larvae that blend seamlessly with nature. The initiative aims to restore marine resources to their former abundance and vitality.
In addition to its commitment to applying technology in conservation efforts, SCG is dedicated to serving as a bridge for private sectors and the public interested in coral reef restoration to participate. This time, Thai Union Group Public Company Limited, a leading company prioritizing sustainable development and marine conservation, is providing ongoing support for the second consecutive year. This project not only aids coral restoration to preserve biodiversity and the balance of marine ecosystems but also fosters awareness and collaboration between government organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector. Together, they aim to conserve and restore Thailand’s natural resources.
News/Photos: NBT Phuket