Save the reef
Pure Blue Foundation has launched a coral reef regeneration programme on Hanuman Bay as the first project undertaken in cooperation with Akaryn Samui Resort and Spa.
In August, the foundation successfully planted 12 new structures among the reef on the shore near the resort, which will attract and develop new coral species with the aim of increasing it from 13 to 24, as well as attracting more types of tropical fish. This is part of a process that started last month with the preparation of the seabed.
In this effort, two highly experienced marine biologists, Sebastien Stradal and Gabriel Bidawid, spent two weeks, overseeing the planting of the module structures and putting in place all development plans in an area 50 metres from the sandy beach of Hanuman Bay.
“The expense is worth it,” said Pure Blue Foundation head Anchalika Kijkanakorn, when up to 24 species of coral will soon be thriving on Hanuman Bay’s reefs again. Anchalika is managing director of Akaryn Hospitality Management Services (AHMS). “We feel a deep responsibility to all the destinations where we operate resorts and this is the latest in a long-term commitment we have made to not only preserving the environment but to nurturing its development for generations to come.”
On December 1, AHMS’s Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga Resort and Spa will launch its latest fund-raising activity to generate money for its turtle conservation project in an evening soiree at its location on Natai Beach at which the latest batch of turtles will be released into the Andaman Sea. Over the last two years, it has raised Bt600,000, releasing more than 100 turtles into the wild. The same amount is required to continue the programme that has now been extended to Koh Samui.
