PHUKET, THAILAND—Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa teamed up with its affiliate dive center Sub Aqua Dive Center, as a boat sponsor of Go Eco Phuket’s “Dive Against Debris” as part of the resort’s commitment to protecting, conserving, and restoring Phuket’s natural environment.
“Dive Against Debris”, the world’s largest reef cleanup, was organized by Go Eco Phuket (the dive centers of Phuket united as one) with the support of PADI and Project Aware. Held this fall, the event involved 502 participants, more than 300 of which were divers, 20 local dive centers, 14 dive boats, the Royal Thai Navy, the Thai Navy Seals, and the Thai government (Department of Marine & Coastal Resources). The community spent the day collecting dangerous debris from Phuket’s smaller surrounding islands in an effort to raise awareness of marine debris issues and to push for the protection of Phuket’s oceans and coastlines.
The event took place at dive site locations and islands in Southern Phuket, including Coral, Racha Yai, Phi Phi, Khao Nok, Lon, and Racha Noi Islands. Divers went underwater to clear debris from the reefs and bays while non-divers sorted the collection for data-gathering and submission.
“Dive Against Debris” highlighted the problem of marine creatures dying from consuming plastic debris or getting trapped by it. The cleanup netted 15 tons of debris from underwater reefs and Phuket’s coastlines and put pressure on the Thai authorities to make changes for the better; to keep Phuket clean.
“This event’s objectives are aligned with Hilton Phuket’s sustainability agenda in preserving the island’s surroundings,” said Andre A. Gomez, general manager, Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and & Spa. “We are glad to help offset the cost of fuel as well as sending a few of our team members to aid with the cleanup.”
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