Whale Shark scuba diving holiday, Thailand

The programme: This programme has gained international recognition and has been such a success because it inspires people from all walks of life to participate. Local fisherman, scuba divers, and resort guests have all enthusiastically got involved to help in this conservation effort. In February 2007, we were honoured to host accomplished marine biologist Brad Norman from Ecocean. Brad introduced his whale shark identification and tracking program at our resort. Brad has recently won the prestigious Rolex Award for Enterprise, in recognition of his innovation in marine biology. Guests who participate in this programme further the information, awareness, and conservation of the whale shark.

The dive operator: Blue Guru Conservation & Diving are an ecotourism activities and diving operation. They conduct a broad range of PADI Eco Specialties and marine awareness programs from their base on Koh Phra Thong. They are registered operators for PADI's Project AWARE, Coral Watch & Whale Shark Project. They also organise regular reef & beach cleanups. Blue Guru employ from the local community where possible, with the aim of providing alternative livelihoods to fishing and engendering a sense of pride & responsibility for the amazing local aquatic eco-systems. This season they are expanding their eco diving program to include monitoring & exploration trips around the mangrove forest and seagrass beds of Koh Phra Thong.

The accommodation: We currently employ around 20 people, half from local villages and half from the mainland. Staff are paid a fair local wage and receive training in customer service skills. We use local resources to support much of our operation. e.g. village boats for guests transfers; local drivers and their vehicles for safaris and guest transfers on the mainland. We also buy local produce (fish) on the island and purchase furniture locally. We have commissioned work from local artisans.

The resort is set in natural forest. There is a policy to maintain all natural tree cover where practical and we have initiated a tree growing program over the last 12 months to replace trees lost as a result of the Tsunami. We have sponsored a turtle conservation project for over 10 years on the island. Light pollution during the nesting season is restricted by the resort. Electricity is provided by a diesel generator, and is only available to guests between 6pm and 11pm. No hot water or air conditioning is available at the resort. Where possible waste is composted. In the interests of water conservation, sheets are only cleaned every three days and we limit towels to one a guest. We limit printing and re-use paper where we can.