From June 1 to September 30, Thailand's most famous beach is closed to tourists. The authorities want to give nature the opportunity to recover during that period. The continuous flow of thousands of day-trippers has put a heavy burden on the coral in the area. It is the first time that the beach, part of Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in Krabi, will close.
Thailand seems more aware of the consequences of mass tourism for nature. Vulnerable areas are increasingly being locked, such as the famous Similan Islands, on the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. For Maya Bay is now also closed. Whether it helps is the question?
Rehabilitation of Maya Beach has already begun. Conservationists are dragging trees to plant there and marine park staff will rehabilitate 25 rai of coral reefs just offshore.
Every day, five thousand visitors flocked to the narrow beach of 15 by 250 meters. Seagrass and other plants have been severely damaged, increasing erosion, rubbish was often left behind, and sewage from boats has polluted the sea and corals. Some tour operators dropped anchor over corals. The DNP has allocated 100 million baht for a berth and floating jetty.
Maya Bay is located on the Phi Phi Islands, in the Andaman Sea, it belongs to the province of Krabi. Maya Bay is a shallow bay with clear turquoise sea water. Characteristic are the overgrown steep limestone rocks that are very impressive. Maya Bay is also known for the movie 'The Beach' with Leonardo Di Caprio.
Source: Bangkok Post
Very good because it is a beach and natural paradise for humans and animals and aqua fauna.
Not only for people who come to stomp it flat with thousands every day like a Thai efteling.
The same is now happening on an even larger scale in the Philippines on the island of Boracay.
I think it is very clever and progressive of both countries to take such an extensive measure, it may also be said.
This picture reminds me of the weeks after the tsunami.
With a group of volunteers we cleaned up the worst mess.
Not a tourist in sight. I swam in the Bay, without boats, the only one, on a deserted empty beach with snapped palm trees.
Impressive experience.
Fortunately, the reason for an empty beach is now a much better one.
Good initiative!!