Phuket's Bold Plan: Old Town Aims for Carbon Neutrality by 2030

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Phuket is taking a significant step towards sustainable tourism with the Phuket Old Town Carbon Neutrality 2030 initiative. The goal is to transform the historic old town into Thailand’s first carbon-neutral area by the end of the decade.

 

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, on behalf of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, officially kicked off the initiative at the 72nd Anniversary Queen Sirikit Park in Phuket Old Town. This launch was attended by local government officials, private sector representatives, and community leaders who are dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism.

 

Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, head of the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, explained that this initiative began with his foundation and is now supported by the Phuket City Municipality, the Big Data Institute (BDI), and the local community. They aim to set a standard for sustainable tourism by reaching carbon neutrality by 2030.

 

To limit tourism's environmental impact, the project focuses on efficient resource use, waste reduction, recycling, and community engagement. One of its key features is the introduction of waste separation with color-coded bags and the use of smart technology to monitor and manage carbon emissions in real-time.

 

 

The Big Data Institute has developed an innovative system to track carbon dioxide emissions by analyzing data on traffic, waste, and water pollution. This system has the ambitious goal of reducing emissions in the old town by 30% within three years and achieving a 50% decrease by 2030.

 

Phuket’s commitment to environmental care is further highlighted by its selection as the host for the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference in 2026. This event will showcase the island's efforts to maintain its natural beauty while remaining a popular tourist destination.

 

Attractions like Phuket Old Town’s famous Lard Yai Sunday walking street, which brings in about 30,000 visitors weekly, highlight the area's cultural richness but also create challenges in managing waste and carbon emissions.

 

Governor Sophon Suwanrat emphasized the need for effective strategies to address environmental issues as global sustainable tourism standards evolve. Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of blending the preservation of the town’s cultural heritage with modern sustainability practices.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-26