Youth-Led 'Eco Island' App Aims to Tackle Waste on Koh Tao

Koh Tao, a major tourist destination in Surat Thani province, faces significant environmental challenges, receiving over 700,000 visitors annually. According to Khaosod Online, the island generates more than 30 tons of waste daily, exacerbated by plastic debris washed ashore during certain seasons.

To address this, the 'Aqua Shield' student team developed the 'Eco Island' application. The project emerged from the 'Hack the Island' competition, organized by Indorama Ventures, which invited high school students nationwide to propose solutions for the island's waste management. Out of 53 teams, the winners were selected after a bootcamp focused on environmental science, PET bottle recycling, and innovation strategy.

For residents and travelers, this initiative represents a shift toward community-driven digital solutions for waste management. The app is designed to encourage active participation from both locals and tourists in keeping the island clean, potentially improving the overall visitor experience.

While the app has secured the top prize in the competition, details regarding its official public launch date, specific features for end-users, and how it will integrate with existing municipal waste collection systems remain to be confirmed. The project highlights a growing trend of youth-led environmental advocacy in Thailand's tourism sector.