Locals work together to hold Mai Khao Beach and Reef Clean Up

The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation in co-operation with the Rajabhat Educational Institute, Mai Khao Baan School, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Aquadivers and the local Mai Khao villagers organized a fun-filled post Tsunami beach and reef clean up on 26 February, 2005.

There were 120 students from the Rajabhat Institute, more than 100 children from the Mai Khao Baan School and over 50 associates from the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. A great quantity of rubbish from the Mai Khao beach was collected and sorted for recycling.

The reef clean up was no less successful, 10 divers, including General Manager of the JW Marriott, Mr. Craig Smith and Michael Marchbanks, Managing Director of Aqua Divers Mai Khao, cleaned a reef in vicinity of the resort gathering over 100kg of fishing nets and remains of plastic bags and bottles. The event was rounded off by an educational performance about Environmental protection and recycling prepared by the students of Rajabhat Institute wearing clothes from recycled material and a barbeque lunch prepared by the resort.

The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation was founded during the grand opening celebrations of JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa in March 2002, with the resort donating two million Baht (US$45,000) to launch the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation to raise funds and awareness for the plight of the critically endangered giant leatherback turtles that nest in the area.

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