Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation
Project: / Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation
Country: / Thailand
Organisation / Address: / Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation
c/o Public Relations Department
JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa
231, Moo 3, Mai Khao
Talang, Phuket 83110
Thailand
Telephone: / +66 076 338 000
Fax: / +66 076 348 348
E-mail address: /
Alternate email address: /
Web site address: / http://www.resort-hotels.com/bookings/phuket/marriott/news/ (unavailable)
Location(s) of main activity:
Project Summary: / During its Grand Opening celebrations in March 2002, the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa launched the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation to raise funds and awareness for the plight of the critically endangered giant leatherback turtles that nest in the area.
The resort is located on Mai Khao Beach, the longest beach in Phuket, adjacent to the Sirinath Marine National Park and protected sea turtle nesting area.
During the breeding season from November to February, sea turtles, particularly the giant leatherback, return to the beach they were born on to lay their eggs.
Their numbers have been severely depleted over the last twenty years and the local Mai Khao villagers work very hard to protect these magnificent reptiles.
They take the eggs to their hatchery where the baby turtles are protected from elements of nature and human exploitation and are then released in a special ceremony during the famous Songkran festival (Thai New Year) in April.
Local villagers also patrol the beach at night during the breeding season, protecting the turtles while nesting, and keeping records of the number of eggs laid.
The resort works closely with the local authorities to support their efforts and gain and awareness of their work.
Educational programs are held at the resort for associates, guests and visitors.
Project Started: / March 2002
Project Ended:
Reports / Information material: / See related news articles:
http://www.ioseaturtles.org/headline_detail.php?id=207
http://www.ioseaturtles.org/headline_detail.php?id=143
Planned activities: / The resort will conduct fundraising activities as part of its "Spirit to Serve our Community" program, a worldwide Marriott International initiative.
A Board of Directors will receive written applications for funds each year. Sub-Committees are responsible for fund raising and disbursement, subject to the approval to the Board of Directors. Representatives of Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) - the global conservation organization, will sit on these two sub-committees in an advisory capacity.
Only legally recognized and registered organizations will be eligible to receive funds from the Foundation, and must be able to clearly demonstrate the benefits that they will bring to the turtles, through the use of the funds. Results will be monitored.
Updates:
In Feburary 2005, the Foundation in co-operation with the Rajabhat Educational Institute, Mai Khao Baan School, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Aquadivers and the local Mai Khao villagers organized a post Tsunami beach and reef clean up.
Also, in October 2005, the Foundation launched a new set of ten postcards featuring drawings of turtles by school children from Mai Khao Village.
Collaborators:
Budget available: / USD 45 000
Current Sponsors: / Marriott International Inc. and Royal Garden Resorts Ltd.
Past Sponsors:
Information contributed by: / Lee Sutton and K. Siripun Petchai
Info last updated: / 7 Nov 2007
Other: / Through the work of the Foundation and raising funds to support the efforts of local people in this very important cause, we can make a difference. Any assistance you can offer by way of donations to help us help the leatherbacks will be gratefully received.
For details please visit: http://www.resort-hotels.com/bookings/phuket/marriott/news/donations.htm
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