At Discovery Travel, our commitment to sustainable tourism goes beyond offering unique experiences to our guests—we also strive to protect and restore the natural environment that makes our region so special. Recently, we had the honor of participating in a community project with the villagers of Baan Tha Din Deang to plant seagrass at low tide. This effort is part of a broader initiative to restore the seagrass meadows that were tragically lost during the 2004 tsunami.
Why Seagrass Matters
Seagrass meadows are often referred to as the “lungs of the sea.” These underwater plants play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our marine ecosystems. They provide essential habitat for a variety of marine species, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. In fact, just a few weeks ago, we were excited to spot Indo-Pacific finless porpoises in this very area—an encouraging sign that marine life is thriving where seagrass is present.
Seagrass meadows are often referred to as the “lungs of the sea.” But the benefits of seagrass extend beyond supporting marine biodiversity. Seagrass meadows also help to stabilize the seafloor, reducing erosion and improving water quality by filtering pollutants and absorbing excess nutrients. These functions are particularly important in areas like ours, where coastal development and climate change have put pressure on the natural environment.
Combating Coral Bleaching with Seagrass
This year, our local reef has suffered significant coral bleaching due to the El Niño-induced high temperatures. Coral bleaching occurs when corals, stressed by changes in conditions such as temperature, expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues, causing them to turn white. While bleached corals are not dead, they are more susceptible to mortality.
Seagrass meadows can help mitigate the effects of coral bleaching in several ways. First, they contribute to cooling the surrounding water, which can reduce the stress on corals during periods of elevated temperatures. Additionally, seagrass absorbs carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to ocean acidification—another major threat to coral reefs. By improving water quality and buffering against ocean acidification, seagrass meadows create a more resilient environment for corals and other marine life.
A Community Effort with a Lasting Impact
Our day planting seagrass with the villagers of Baan Tha Din Deang was not just about restoring a vital part of the ecosystem—it was about building hope for the future. The project brought together people from all walks of life, united by a common goal: to protect and preserve the natural beauty of our region for generations to come.
As we continue our efforts to restore seagrass meadows, we are hopeful that we will see more marine life returning to these waters. The sight of porpoises in the area is just the beginning; with time and continued dedication, we believe that the marine ecosystem will flourish once again.
Moving Forward Together
We are incredibly grateful to the local community for welcoming us into this project and for their ongoing commitment to environmental conservation. At Discovery Travel, we understand that sustainable tourism is about more than just minimizing our footprint—it’s about actively contributing to the health and well-being of the places we visit.
As we move forward, we invite you to join us in our efforts to protect and preserve the incredible natural environment of Khao Lak. Whether you’re a visitor or a local resident, there are many ways to get involved. Together, we can ensure that the beauty and biodiversity of our coastal waters continue to thrive for years to come.
