RUTS Trang Campus: Supporting Trang Foam-Free, Plastic Reduction, Driving Towards a Green Economy, Joining Forces to Revive the Andaman Sea on World Oceans Day

15 Jun 2022

Reporters : Assoc.Prof.Dr. Pornsil Seephueak

Asst.Prof.Dr. Prapot Maliwan
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Pornsil Seephueak
Asst.Prof.Dr. Nion Chirapongsathonkul
Dr. Worawitoo Meesook

Evidence Date: 15 June 2022

Indicator : 15.4.2

Related SDGs:

Plastic waste exerts a multitude of adverse consequences on the environment, wildlife, and human. It is considered an environmental pollution due to its enduring presence, which can extend for centuries, leading to the proliferation and pollution in various ecosystems, including natural landscapes, rivers, oceans, and urban areas. Additionally, it can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems, particularly in marine environments, where plastic debris poses a threat to sensitive habitats like coral reefs. In terms of its impact on wildlife, plastic waste poses significant risks. Animals may inadvertently consume or become entangled in plastic waste, resulting in complications such as intestinal blockages, malnutrition, and even death. For marine life, plastic waste is particularly harmful, as creatures like sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals often mistake plastic items for food. It is imperative to address these issues by actively reducing and managing plastic waste through practices such as recycling, reuse, and responsible disposal to effectively mitigate the adverse effects it has on the environment, animals, and human.

Correspondingly, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) has introduced a plastic waste reduction policy. The university actively encourage all staff and students to be mindful of their plastic usage in their daily lives and work practices. Moreover, the university have collaborated with local communities and government entities to bolster their efforts in reducing plastic waste. On June 15, 2022, at Pak Meng Pier, Mai Fat Subdistrict, Sikao District, Trang Province, RUTS Trang Campus took a significant step, Asst.Prof. Kosin Patanamani, Vice President of Trang Campus, appointed Ms. Usa Sricharoen, Director of the Trang Campus Office, as the representative to participate in the event to receive the project symbol “Sustainable Trang, Doing Good with Heart, Reducing Environmental Hazards.” In addition, the Institute of Natural Resources and Environment, led by Asst.Prof. Manoch Khamcharoen, Director of the Institute of Natural Resources and Environment, Asst.Prof. Enak Sawat-in, Assistant Director of the Institute of Natural Resources and Environment, along with the team, organized an exhibition. This exhibition showcased a prototype beach-cleaning robot, the presentation of organic fertilizer production from community waste, and the distribution of eco-bags, handmade from leftover materials in the community. These products were designed to contribute value with patterns related to marine life and the conservation of natural resources in the community.

In this event, besides symbolically endorsing the Sustainable Trang Project, Doing Good with Heart, and Reducing Environmental Hazards, it also drives Trang towards sustainable development. It jointly promotes the initiative ‘Foam-Free Trang, Plastic Reduction’ and supports the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) approach towards green economic development. The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Anucha Samsom, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Chalermchai Papata, Director-General of the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion, Mr. Kritsada Charoensopa, Governor of Trang Province, and representatives from various public and private organizations. Within the event, apart from showcasing exhibitions from various agencies and organizations, sea turtles were released, a campaign to encourage businesses in the Chao Mai National Park area to support the ‘Foam-Free Trang, Plastic Reduction’ initiative, and tree planting to instill good environmental consciousness in the youth, as part of the collaborative effort to conserve natural resources and ‘Joining Forces to Revive the Andaman Sea on World Oceans Day’ for the year 2022.