Reporters:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chatree Homkhiew
Assist. Prof. Dr. Thanwit Naemsai
Assist. Prof. Dr. Thanakorn Damsud
Assist. Prof. Dr. Kosin Teeparuksapun
Evidence Date: in the period June-December 2024
Related SDGs:
Related Indicators: 9.4
The Coastal Development Project of Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) is an initiative focused on human resource development through technology and innovation to support the new-era coastal tourism industry, a sector with significant potential for driving sustainable economic growth. This project directly contributes to SDG9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by building capacity for resilient coastal tourism. The project aims to equip personnel with the essential knowledge and skills required for the modern coastal tourism sector, fostering a skilled workforce capable of operating and maintaining sustainable infrastructure.
Recognizing the importance of sustainable resource management, the Faculty of Engineering has implemented Sub-Activity 1: Sustainable Waste Management Technology in Marine Tourism. This sub-activity addresses a critical challenge: the maintenance of beach cleaning vehicles, particularly the sweeping assembly used for beach leveling. The problem statement underscores the need for local solutions that support SDG9 through reduced reliance on external resources and strengthened domestic technological capabilities: Dependence on imported spare parts (difficult to source, high cost, long lead times). Operational inefficiencies caused by delays in maintenance.
To address these issues and promote SDG9, the Faculty of Engineering has undertaken a comprehensive engineering analysis leading to a localized solution: a redesigned Rubber Sweeping Assembly. This assembly, crucial for maintaining clean and attractive beaches that underpin the coastal tourism industry, demonstrates significant improvements achieved through careful engineering design and material selection. The core improvements, each directly linked to the principles of SDG9, are as follows: The utilization of Locally Sourced Materials, a strategic decision driven by engineering analysis, eliminates reliance on imported parts, thereby reducing costs and mitigating supply chain delays. This decision directly supports SDG9 by fostering domestic technology development and reducing dependence on external resources, promoting economic resilience.
Furthermore, rigorous testing and analysis have confirmed Equivalent Performance when compared to the foreign-made system. This ensures the continued effectiveness of beach cleaning operations and contributes to upgrading existing infrastructure for sustainable tourism. The engineering design prioritized maintaining functionality and efficiency, demonstrating a commitment to quality and long-term performance.
Finally, the project’s commitment to a Cost-Effective & Sustainable solution is evident in its support for Thailand’s circular economy. By utilizing domestically produced materials, the assembly reduces waste, minimizes environmental impact, and aligns with SDG9’s emphasis on sustainable industrialization and resource efficiency. Engineering analysis played a critical role in optimizing material usage and minimizing environmental footprints. As shown in Figure 1, this project exemplifies how RUTS, by focusing on local innovation, rigorous engineering analysis, and sustainable practices, is contributing to building a resilient and environmentally responsible coastal tourism industry, aligning with the principles and goals of SDG9.
Figure 1. The maintenance of beach cleaning vehicles
Details:
Video presentation (in Thai)
