Thailand will mark World Ocean Day 2025 with the launch of “30+ Islands Clean-Up: So Cool Mission,” a nationwide campaign under the Heart-Made Islands Project. Taking place on Sunday, 8 June 2025, in Koh Chang, Trat Province, this large-scale effort under the theme “WONDER – Sustaining What Sustains Us”, brings together communities, international volunteers, government agencies, and private partners in a shared mission to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable island living.
Supported by Asian Geographic Go, the travel experience arm of Asian Geographic Magazines, and hosted at Aiyapura Resort, Koh Chang, the day will feature a wide range of collaborative and action-driven events.
A highlight of the event will be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), through which island communities formally commit to reducing or eliminating single-use plastics, straws, and foam products. A symbolic moment will then signal the synchronized start of clean-up efforts across all participating islands. These efforts will include comprehensive beach, mangrove, and underwater clean-ups, led by both Thai and international volunteers. The collected waste will be sorted, weighed, and analyzed, with data recorded to estimate the environmental impact, including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
The event will conclude with a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and a high-level Roundtable Discussion, “Collaborate & Innovate to Solve the Island Waste Crisis,” featuring panelists including community representatives from three islands, Dr. Wijarn Simachaya (Thailand Environment Institute), Hidy Yu (Bling Bling Ocean Foundation), John Thet (Underwater360 Founder, ADEX CEO), Ms. Chawche Tevaburana-Trakul (Institute for Global Environmental Strategies), along with representatives from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), Ogga-Circular, and Indorama Ventures.
International volunteers are especially welcomed to join activities on Koh Chang, Koh Lanta, and Koh Tao, where special participation packages are being offered. Koh Lanta will kick off its clean-up efforts earlier on 5 June, in celebration of World Environment Day 2025.
In preparation for the clean-up, trained divers and volunteers will also take part in a special underwater ghost net removal training, facilitated by the Bling Bling Ocean Foundation, in collaboration with local dive teams.
The “30+ Islands Clean-Up: So Cool Mission” reflects Thailand’s growing leadership in marine conservation and sustainability. Under the theme “WONDER – Sustaining What Sustains Us,” this campaign highlights the urgent call to protect ocean ecosystems and empowers island communities to drive meaningful environmental change.
For more information, visit: https://asiangeo.com/go/
