Thailand's Koh Chang Coral Reef Habitat Demonstration Site
UNEP/GEF South China Sea Project

Demonstration Site Manager
Mr. Nipat Somkleeb
104 Mu 3 Bann Klongson, Koh Chang,
Trat Province 23170, THAILAND
Tel: (661) 735 1760
Fax: (662) 310 8415
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Focal Point for the Coral Reef Component
Dr. Thamasak Yeemin, Lecturer Marine Biodiversity Research Group
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science
Ramkhamhaeng University
Huamark, Bangkok 10240, Thailand
Tel: (662) 319 5219 ext. 240; 3108415,
Mobile: (661) 842 3056
Fax: (662) 310 8415; 319 4358; 310 8381
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PCU Contact
Dr. Vo Si Tuan
Senior Expert
UNEP/GEF Project Coordinating Unit
United Nations Building
2nd Floor, Block B
Rajdamnern Avenue
Bangkok, 10200, Thailand
Tel: (662) 288 2084
Fax: (662) 288 1094
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Fisheries Threats Contact
Mr. Pirochana Saikliang
Senior Fishery Biologist 
Upper Gulf Marine Fisheries Research and Development Center
Marine Fishery Division, Department of Fisheries
49 Soi Phrarachviriyaporn 16
Phrarachviriyaporn Road
Bangphoung Sub-district
Phrapradaeng District
Samut Prakan 10130, Thailand
Tel: (662) 816 7635-8 ext. 15, 16,
Mobile: (661) 8439887
Fax: (662) 816 7634
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Further Information on Coral Reefs in the South China Sea

Reports of the Meetings of the UNEP/GEF Regional Working Group on Coral Reefs

UNEP/GEF Review of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea

Coral Reef Habitat Demonstration Site Information Resources  

Lesson Learned on the Development of Sustainable Tourism Based on Coral Reefs at Mu Koh Chang in Thailand

 Click here to access the Project Document for the Koh Chang Coral Reef Demonstration Site

Lesson Learned in the Development of Sustainable Tourism Based on Coral Reefs at Mu Koh Chang in Thailand

Site Name and Geographic Coordinates
Name: Mu Koh Chang Coral Reef Demonstration Site
Latitude: 11°56′-12°16′ N
Longitude: 102°25′-102°61′ E

The main objective of this project is to remove or reduce the causes of coral reef degradation in Mu Koh Chang by applying a new model of co-management in the area and restoring certain deteriorated areas for education and tourism purposes. The project highlights the importance of coordination among government institutions, private sectors and local communities for sustainable tourism development. The success of the management model in Mu Koh Chang can be applied to other areas which have similar problems in Thailand and other countries in the South China Sea. The present coral reef site is also high of potential for transboundary management with Cambodia.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES
As Mu Koh Chang is located near the border of Cambodia and not far from Vietnam, and harbours some of the richest marine communities in the western South China Sea, the Thai Government has initiated a project to develop Mu Koh Chang as an important regional ecotourism site. A relatively large amount of funding has been spent on infrastructure development and establishing new development and management schemes. The additional support from the UNEP/GEF SCS Project will enable the region to: