Family Volunteering: Marine Conservation on the Thai Island of Koh Tao

What is the Family Volunteering: Marine Conservation on the Thai Island of Koh Tao project all about?

This project offers the chance to learn to dive as a family and contribute to sustainable development for the sea with the local communities on this specially designed project, Family Volunteering: Marine Conservation on the Thai Island of Koh Tao. Due to an unprecedented boom in tourism to Thailand in recent years, the waters around Koh Tao have become a hot diving hotspot, and have suffered damages as a result of the increased tourism and overall global warming. The local community of Koh Tao, in association with the best dive schools, developed a project to help and protect the coral reefs within the Koh Tao national park.

As volunteers, your family could be directly involved in building artificial reefs, culturing a giant clam nursery, seahorse population studies and undertaking regular monitoring activities in the waters surrounding the island. Depending on the age of the children within your family, the marine conservation activities will differ. Children under the age of 17 will also assist with the non-diving conservation activities such as beach clean-ups, snorkeling surveys, turtle feeding, etc… Additionally, the project works in local schools, training children aged 10-18 years old how to dive in order to create awareness of marine conservation issues and teach skills that they can use for future employment on Koh Tao.

The data gathered on the project will go towards information the project provides to government environmental agencies, which is used to make policy decisions about the area; this is an opportunity to make a real difference to sustainable change in Thailand. This project includes diver SSI (Scuba Schools International) training from beginner to advanced level, with options for children. Children under the age of 17 will have the opportunity to participate in scuba diving courses (junior open water from 10 years old and junior Advance Open water from 12 years old).

Why choose this Marine Conservation Family Volunteering project?

The once pristine reefs around the small island of Koh Tao are now suffering from the destruction caused by global warming and tourism. Volunteers are needed to help slow down this process and build structures underwater and participate in non-dive related conservation activities that will aid the natural growth of native fish species, coral and promote better marine conservation. You may also help by visiting local schools and speaking to students about proper diving practices and marine conservation. You will see your children interacting with local children of all ages and produce an interesting dynamic.

The research you do will also be used to identify areas of concern, which will then be fed back to governmental agencies who can decide on an appropriate course of action to ensure a long-lasting impact.

Role of the Marine Conservation Volunteer

The first week is dedicated to diving and scuba activities. Once certified, the fun begins! If your children are old enough, whilst diving, you will be responsible for identifying species, monitoring the reefs, underwater clean-ups, and reef restoration. Passed your certifications, you will receive continuous diving instruction to help you to progress. Adults have the opportunity to attend conservation certifications. Please speak to a Kaya Placement Advisor for more information.

What skills do I need to be a Marine Conservation Volunteer in Koh Tao, Thailand?

Due to the main focus of this project involving water-related activities, volunteers, including children must be able to swim a minimum of 2 lengths of a 25-metre swimming pool. Volunteers over the age of 17 years old must also have a moderate level of fitness as divers will be required to carry tanks and equipment during their placement (adjustments will be made for children). Naturally, a love of water and marine life goes a long way, as success on this project involves volunteers developing knowledge of marine conservation.

Also, parents should note that they are responsible for looking after their children while on the project, including on the boat if they come out to snorkel.

The project includes an internationally recognised SSI certification. Families will develop a lifelong skill as you receive courses and learn the skills necessary for the achievement of this qualification during your time on the project.

NB: The price of this project depends on your diving ability, size of the family and accommodation preferences, so please ask an advisor to get a quote for your family.

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