On the 15thNovember, 2018 the community of Koh Tao joined forces for an island land clean-up. Designated meeting places were assigned for participants to meet and obtain the required tools to help with the picking up of the trash.

The Koh Tao Government officials participated in the event and scheduled a Mangrove Tree Planting and Mangrove Periwinkle Snail release in Chalok Baan Kao to help with our Koh Tao ecosystem and regenerate the growth in these areas.

Mangrove Periwinkes (Littoraria angulifera) in (Aka. Thai – Hoi Joob Jaeng) inhabit the mangroves. They are small snails found on leaves and branches. “As quoted by Guiterrez 1988 – they are also located in tropical and subtropical areas from the waterline up to 7 meters above the high tide line”.

The Mangrove Periwinkle is a robust brown snail, 2 cm high, with dark brown markings and a pointed spire. The shell is thin, with 6 to 7 whorls and a sharp apex. It is often found on the undersides of mangrove prop roots.

The main reason the Koh Tao Community decided to plant the Mangrove trees is as they were declining and for reasons for shoreline protection from damaging storms, waves and floods they were recently planted. They help to prevent erosion by stabilizing sediments with their tangle root systems provide this during the heavy storms and rain weather. They also aid in maintaining water quality and clarity, filtering pollutants and trapping sediments originating from the land. They are the most productive ecosystems and serve several functions especially to prevent coastal erosion.

What an amazing experience to partake in these eco programs conducted by the Koh Tao Government and we appreciate all who participated.