Spotlight Koh Tao 2023 : Coming up 3-5 May!! Spotlight Koh Tao 2024 at Aow Leuk
We are proud to announce the dates for our inaugural Spotlight Koh Tao event!
Running on the 7th and 8th of June, 2022, Spotlight Koh Tao comprises workshops and exhibitions that highlight the island’s dedication to conservation and land and sea revitalization. We look forward to welcoming back tourists and esteemed gusts from around Thailand to join our environmentally-themed celebration.
During the last few years, there have been times when it has felt like the earth is standing still. But mother nature never rests. In these times, more than ever, it has been important for the Koh Tao community to drive forward with land and sea revitalization projects, so that generations can enjoy the beauty and natural wonder of our island for generations to come.
CORAL REEF REHABILITATION • REEF WATCH MONITORING • MOORING BUOYS MAINTENANCE • UNDERWATER & BEACG CLEAN – UP • FISH AGGREGATION WITH LOCAL FISHERMEN • WATERSHED FOREST REHABILITATION • COCO TIE DYE WORKSHOP • SEA GLASS CREATIONS WORKSHOP • NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS WORKSHOP • ZERO WASTE THAI CUISINE CLASS
Over the 7th and 8th of June, we have organized 10 different activities and workshops that showcase our conservation efforts. On the evening of the 8th, all attendees and participants will meet on the beach to celebrate with an extravagant international beachside buffet.
Attending Spotlight Koh Tao is an opportunity to dive into nature by revisiting our tropical paradise island to learn more about our land and sea revitalization efforts. Signing up as a participant guarantees you:
Participants can choose from any of the land or sea revitalization activities listed below. Options are available for both divers and non-divers:
1) Coral Reef Rehabilitation
2) Reef Watch Monitoring
3) Mooring Buoys Maintenance
4) Underwater and Beach Clean-up
5) Fish Aggregation with local fishermen
6) Watershed Forest Rehabilitation
7) CoCo Tie Dye Workshop
8) Sea Glass Creations Workshop
9) Natural Cleaning ProductsWorkshop
10) Zero Waste Thai Cuisine Class
Relax in the ambient glow of the moonlight and indulge in the finest culinary taste sensations that Koh Tao has to offer. We’ve hand-selected the very best delicacies for you to try, all freshly prepared on-site by some of the most experienced and valued local providers who have dedicated years to serving the Koh Tao community. The buffet will be zero waste, with all leftovers donated back to the local community or used for compost for local farms and agronomy projects.
Attendees will receive islandwide discounts from multiple local businesses:
INTRODUCTION
For decades, Koh Tao has enjoyed a well-deserved reputation as a world-class diving destination. However, our coral reefs have suffered from degradation due to both natural and anthropogenic disturbances, including coastal development, sedimentation, destructive fishing, and tourism-related activities. To combat these destructive forces, our environmentally-focused local community has joined forces with private businesses and government organizations to develop coral reef rehabilitation projects.
GOALS
By transplanting coral fragments onto artificial structures, we aim to create interesting artificial dive sites to alleviate the pressure from existing busy dive sites and maintain a source of healthy young corals that can be used to maintain overall reef health.
ACTIVITY DETAILS
Coral reefs in Thailand are protected by law under legislation passed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE). No touching, removal, or trading of coral is permitted, unless for research purposes. However, eight dive centers on Koh Tao have been granted permission by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) to conduct reef rehabilitation projects by way of coral transplantation.
Join one of our reef rehabilitation teams for the day! You’ll learn all about coral propagation and join a dive where you’ll help prepare artificial structures and be introduced to the equipment required for transplantation equipment.
WHEN
7 June 2022/ 8.30 – 15.00
HOSTS
8 local dive centers:
LOCATION
MEETING POINT
Your chosen dive center.
PRE-REQUISITES
Minimum age 18
Advanced Open Water certification
Good buoyancy control
INTRODUCTION
Koh Tao is surrounded by dense fringing coral reefs and submerged granite pinnacles, with some of the highest coral coverage and biodiversity in the Gulf of Thailand. Our island is one of Asia’s most popular island destinations for snorkeling and we certify more SCUBA divers every year than any other location worldwide. The maintain sustainability, the health of our coral reefs is monitored regularly by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) and the local dive community.
GOALS
By establishing and implementing environmentally-friendly guidelines we can promote sustainable diving and snorkeling practices. By introducing more people to coral monitoring processes, we aim to protect and conserve coral reefs around the island.
ACTIVITY DETAILS
Reef Watch is a simple one-dive-one-survey method to record the health of a coral reef and can be conducted by both divers and snorkelers. Participants record information on an official Reef Watch underwater slate and all data is submitted to officials for analysis and observation.
Join a reef watch monitoring program! You’ll get a brief on how to monitor coral health and join our team on a snorkeling trip to collect valuable information. The data you collect will help us identify and manage trends so we can continue to develop revitalization techniques that promote optimum coral health.
WHEN
8 June 2022/ 9.00 – 14.00
Please note that there is a maximum of 20 people, so booking early is recommended.
HOSTS
LOCATION
MEETING POINT
PRE-REQUISITES
INTRODUCTION
Koh Tao is renowned for world-class diving, and over 50 spectacular dive sites surround the island. To support our thriving diving economy and prevent damage to the coral reefs and marine ecosystem, mooring buoys are frequently installed and maintained. The use of dedicated mooring buoys protects divers and prevents damage caused by boats dropping anchors over the reef.
GOALS
By conducting regular mooring buoy maintenance at dive sites around the island, the health of the coral reef can be maximized, and the safety of divers exploring our amazing underwater world can be ensured.
ACTIVITY DETAILS
Mooring lines need constant inspections and maintenance. No matter how well designed they are, all will eventually break. On Koh Tao, we are fortunate to have the support and expertise of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) to help us in our efforts.
Join our mooring buoy maintenance team for the day! You’ll be introduced to mooring buoy systems and learn more about their effectiveness, bases for placement, and assist our team with their essential mooring buoy maintenance and replacement tasks.
WHEN
8 June 2022/ 8.30 – 15.00
Please note that there is a maximum of 15 divers, so booking early is recommended.
HOSTS
LOCATION
MEETING POINT
PRE-REQUISITES
INTRODUCTION
Koh Tao is well known as a tropical haven with spectacular beaches and dive sites. However, constant effort is required to keep them in pristine condition. Debris builds up through a combination of natural and manmade factors, including ocean pollution, land runoff, and irresponsible trash disposal practices. To combat these destructive forces, the environmentally-focused local community organizes regular underwater and beach clean-up events.
GOALS
Conducting regular underwater and beach clean-ups helps prevent coral reef degradation, ocean pollution, and injuries to marine life. By involving as many interested parties as possible, we can transform the island by removing litter and educate people about the negative impacts of plastic and other harmful non-biodegradable materials.
ACTIVITY DETAILS
The dive sites and beaches we visit for clean-up events are rotated and chosen depending on the urgency of need, current conditions, and logistical requirements. For Spotlight Koh Tao, we’ll be joining forces with local dive centers and community groups at various sites to remove as much trash as possible.
Join an underwater and beach clean-up! You’ll be given a full safety briefing and all the protective equipment and tools you need to help our experienced team combat debris at dive sites and along our shorelines.
WHEN
8 June 2022/ 8.30 – 15.00
HOSTS
LOCATION
MEETING POINT
PRE-REQUISITES
INTRODUCTION
Koh Tao’s reputation as a world-class diving destination only exists as long as marine life populations thrive. Historically, many Thais in the southern provinces have provided for themselves and their families by fishing. A balance is required to meet the needs of local people while ensuring marine life populations remain healthy. On Koh Tao, local fishermen have mastered the art of fish aggregation to ensure sustainability.
GOALS
By creating fish aggregating devices (FADs) that mimic natural aggregation devices like logs, seaweed, and coconuts, fishermen can attract and catch pelagic fish safely. Without the danger, wastage, or resulting environmental damage that comes with larger-scale fishing operations like long lining, sustainability can be ensured.
ACTIVITY DETAILS
Fish aggregation devices are floating objects that are designed and strategically placed to attract pelagic fish. Man-made FADs are constructed from a variety of materials and usually consist of a buoy or float tethered to an anchor point on the ocean floor.
Join our local fisherman and learn about fish aggregation! You’ll be introduced to the principles of our local FAD systems and learn about their effectiveness and bases for placement before visiting an underwater fish aggregation site to see the practice in action.
WHEN
7 June 2022, 8.00 – 15.00
Please note that there is a maximum of 104 people (4 boats, 26 people per boat), so booking early is recommended.
HOSTS
LOCATION
MEETING POINT
PRE-REQUISITES
INTRODUCTION
Koh Tao is a small island with limited water resources. As a result, some of our conservation efforts focus on protecting our fresh water supply. A watershed is defined as an area of land that catches rainfall and other precipitation. The water bodies supplied by the watershed provide supplies for our kitchens and bathrooms, agriculture, and support the habitats of many plants and animals.
GOALS
The quantity and the quality of water resources in our watershed area is dependent on the condition of the forest surrounding it. By properly managing our watershed areas, we aim to
maintain ecological balance, minimize the occurrence of floods and droughts, and mitigate some of the adverse effects of climate change.
ACTIVITY DETAILS
Learn about watershed management and planting endemic species to protect tropical forests on Koh Tao! You’ll visit our designated watershed area in the north of the island and be taken on a tour of our water storage facilities. You’ll learn how planting endemic plant species and limiting land use helps protect the tropical forest and conserve our watershed areas to safeguard the island’s water supply.
WHEN
8 June 2022, 10.00 – 15.00
HOSTS
LOCATION
MEETING POINT
PRE-REQUISITES
There are no pre-requisites. The Watershed Forest Rehabilitation activity is suitable for both divers and non-divers. Anyone aged 7 and above is welcome to attend.
INTRODUCTION
Koh Tao is a small island with limited natural resources, so our passionate eco-focused community is always keen to showcase the different ways natural products can be used to eliminate waste. Tie-dying is a zero-waste endeavor and a cottage industry that provides income for Koh Tao locals. They use only naturally derived coloring agents and coconut meal to produce one-of-a-kind creations.
GOALS
By introducing more people to the natural resources we have and combining education with a fun and focused artistic activity, we hope that people will leave our beautiful island with a renewed and revitalized passion for the environment.
ACTIVITY DETAILS
Join our organic Tie-Dye workshop! Led by a local tie-dye artist, you’ll use an array of natural dyes and coconut husk to design your own tie-dye creation. You’ll explore different colors and soak-in techniques and be provided with all the materials you need to make your own organic tie-dyed creation.
WHEN
7 June 2022, 9.30 – 13.00 and 13.30 – 17.00
Please note that there is a maximum of 12 people per session, so booking early is recommended.
HOSTS
LOCATION
MEETING POINT
PRE-REQUISITES
There are no prerequisites. The organic tie-dye workshop is suitable for both divers and non-divers. Anyone aged 7 and above is welcome to attend.
INTRODUCTION
As a small island with limited options for the safe disposal or removal of waste, Koh Tao residents have learned to limit their use of non-biodegradable products. We’ve also become creative in using recycling and upcycling techniques to turn discarded items into products that are both practical and environmentally friendly.
GOALS
By introducing more people to the recycling resources we have and combining education with a fun and focused artistic activity, we hope that people will leave our beautiful island with a renewed and revitalized passion for reducing, reusing, and recycling.
ACTIVITY DETAILS
Join our sea glass jewelry workshop! Learn how the collection, compaction, and recycling system works, and what tools are used in the process. Led by a local recycling expert using 100% glass that has been collected on Koh Tao, you’ll make your own recycled glass creation like a necklace or bracelet.
WHEN
7 June 2022, 11.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 16.00
Please note that there is a maximum of 15 people per session, so booking early is recommended.
HOSTS
LOCATION
MEETING POINT
PRE-REQUISITES
There are no pre-requisites. The sea glass jewelry workshop is suitable for both divers and non-divers. Anyone aged 7 and above is welcome to attend.
INTRODUCTION
Koh Tao is a small island with limited natural resources, but our conservation-focused community strives to use our unique ecology to our advantage by mastering the production of organic products like soaps, shampoo, detergents, and cleaning fluids, etc. Using naturally-derived ingredients ensures maximum use of precious resources and eliminates unnecessary wastage.
GOALS
By introducing more people to the processes behind making organic supplies and combining education with a fun and focused artistic activity, we hope that people will leave our beautiful island with a renewed and revitalized passion for living a more organic lifestyle.
ACTIVITY DETAILS
Join our organic handmade cleaning products workshop! Learn how the process works from start to finish, using 100% natural ingredients that have been grown, harvested, and prepared on Koh Tao. Led by an experienced expert, you’ll discover how to make organic coffee soap, lemongrass bath gel, and dishwashing liquid – all completely free of artificial color or harmful chemicals.
WHEN
7 June 2022, 09.30-13.30 and 14.30-18.30
Please note that there is a maximum of 20 people per session, so booking early is recommended.
HOSTS
LOCATION
MEETING POINT
PRE-REQUISITES
There are no pre-requisites. The organic handmade cleaning products workshop is suitable for both divers and non-divers. Anyone aged 7 and above is welcome to attend.
INTRODUCTION
Every area of Thailand has its own unique style when it comes to flavors and flair in the kitchen, and the southern provinces are no different. Sourcing ingredients locally and adopting a zero-waste approach to cooking is key to maximizing the use of natural resources and eliminating unnecessary trash.
GOALS
By introducing more people to traditional southern Thailand cooking with zero-waste techniques, we hope to reignite and revitalize a passion for organic home cooking that will help people eliminate unhealthy chemicals and preservatives from their everyday diet and achieve a healthier and more energized lifestyle.
ACTIVITY DETAILS
Join our Thai cooking class and discover how to make a delicious and nutritious Thai meal using simple ingredients. Led by experienced chefs with decades of experience, you’ll learn how to perfect the combination of sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, and salty aromas that combine to make the taste sensations we know and love.
WHEN
7 June 2022, 9.00 – midday and 13.30 – 16.30
Please note that there is a maximum of 15 people per session, so booking early is recommended.
HOSTS
LOCATION
MEETING POINT
PRE-REQUISITES
There are no pre-requisites. The zero waste Thai cuisine class is suitable for both divers and non-divers. Anyone aged 7 and above is welcome to attend.
Koh Tao is a haven for ocean sports. Love being out on the open seas? Choose from paddle boarding, kayaking, kite surfing, and speedboat adventures.
