KOH TAO YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALIST PROGRAM

VERY FEW PEOPLE ARE AWARE THAT THE NUMBER OF DIVE CERTIFICATIONS ISSUED ON KOH TAO EACH YEAR IS MORE THAN ANY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE ASIA PACIFIC, APART FROM AUSTRALIA.

More amazingly, almost no local people know how to dive. Even though dive course prices here are relatively low compared to the rest of the world or even in Thailand, the locals still can not afford it.

Since they have no chance to enjoy the beauty of their underwater environment and do not make a direct living out of it, many people are not involved in the island conservation efforts.

‘Young Environmentalist Program’ is based on a philosophy that “if we give them a fish, they will survive for that day, but if we teach them how to dive, they will be able to make a living for the rest of their lives”. The first step in promoting environmental awareness and in getting them involved in conservation activities is to teach them how to dive. Teaching locals to scuba dive might guide them to enjoy the beauty of their environment and create future careers.

Since 2008, every weekend, Black Tip Dive Resort and other dive centers have organized swimming programs for the local children as well as several dive introduction programs. In addition, we arranged an essay competition regarding marine environment and four candidates were awarded an Open Water Diver Course. To find out how you can support this program, please contact Kwan at info@blacktipdiving.com