Thailand backs new certification to protect coral reefs
Tourism Thailand is putting its support behind a new coral reef friendly certification, the Reef Protection Factor, and new reef safe sunscreen – Coral Care.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand hosted a sunscreen swap recently on Ao Nang Beach in Krabi to raise awareness of protecting Thailand’s marine life.
It is hosting another green event – Amazing Krabi Green Fest 2025 – on Noppharat Thara Beach, part of the Phi Phi National Park.
“This year marks 25 years since The Beach, the movie that put the Phi Phi islands and Maya Bay specifically on the map. Protecting the bay’s natural marine ecosystem is as important as ever to Thailand,’ said Worapa Angkhasirisap, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand UK & Ireland.
“The two-month annual closure (1st August – 1st October) is showing significant rehabilitation of the coral reefs and blacktip reef shark populations are improving.”
“Helping promote new reef safe and nourishing sunscreens is another small but mighty way the industry and travellers can help protect popular spots in Thailand.”
The new certification: Reef Protection Factor (RPF) was developed by the University of Derby in collaboration with the global creative agency McCann.
RPF is designed to address the issues around chemical pollution around the world which is impacting the oceans and aiding in the decline of vital ecosystems such as tropical coral reefs.
It pushes the industry forward by targeting harmful chemicals, such as those used in many sunscreens.
It says RPF helps consumers identify products that are truly safe for marine ecosystems.
Awareness of RPF and education about harmful sunscreens is now going global through strategic partnerships in key marine regions.
“We believe Reef Protection Factor is a game-changer,” said Jon Elsom, Group Executive Creative Director at McCann.
“We’ve been blown away by the positive reception of RPF, and Coral Care, by our global partners from tourist boards to eco organisations to hotel chains.”
Activities include a flagship partnership with Amazing Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in support of its Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025.
The collaboration kicked off with beachgoers invited to exchange their sunscreens for reef-safe Coral Care – developed by Stream2Sea in partnership with McCann, and tested by the University of Derby.
They say Coral Care is the first sunscreen not only formulated to avoid harming coral, but to actively nourish it.
It is also the first product to receive the RPF certification.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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