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Samui Development and Environment

Text by Jens from Kohsamui.org

Most people will agree that Koh Samui is a very beautiful island, but occasionally you will hear people talking about a "paradise lost" here. Some of them will say that the island is getting so developed and busy, that it not any more the stress less hideaway and retreat it used to be. To some degree, I'll have to agree; time's has changed, but all progressive development is not bad. Positive development should be made with respect for the environment, nature, wildlife and of course the people living here.

Koh Samui has many guests, (tourists, and long staying residents) but we should not forget that this island belongs to the Samui native people. That means that we of course have to give priority to their opinion. The last decades, Thailand has developed with improved infrastructure, modern technology and constructions. We, the guests here, has to realize that the time with only coconut fields, dirt roads and bamboo bungalows and houses is, at least partly, the past.

Also the visitors/tourists coming to Samui are extremely important for the island. They are today the main income for thousands and thousands of the inhabitants and residents of the the island. And not many tourists will arrive here if the coconut trees are dead, the water is dirty and polluted and all sea life has gone. Tourists also has a responsibility to not harm the nature recourses on their holiday.

I truly wish that we, the business people and the authorities on Koh Samui, together will feel the responsibility and encourage development that is good for the island, it's habitants and all visitors. But sometimes, we also have to think beyond profit and money. If all of us together; tourists as well as residents, shows responsibility and respect to the nature, wildlife and sea life, the island of Samui will stay a relaxed tropical retreat in the future too.

What can a single person do? Here are a few examples:

1. Do not lit. Put all garbage in a garbage can.

2. Try to save a little water while staying at the islands. A single minute shorter shower makes a lot, if there are many who do it.

3. Be gentle with the wildlife in the forest/jungle of the islands.

4. Do not collect shells or corals etc. when swimming, snorkeling or diving. Let it all remain in the ocean where it truly belongs. Garbage do not belong in the ocean though.

5. If you find any garbage in the nature that might be harmful for the environment, please put it where it belong. If it is to large, please try to contact the authorities.

6. If you are running a company on the island, please try to make your business as environmental safe as possible.

7. Why not buy some products that you believe comes from local, environmental concerned businesses. If people support these companies, other concerned businesses will naturally follow in their footsteps.

8. Please let your friends and other people know more about this. Environmental issues is everyone's concern.