Nestled in 100 acres of lush jungle, the natural five-star resort is helping to prevent global temperature rises by enabling the island’s forests and mangroves to capture and store harmful CO2
Koh Lanta is home to almost 3.2 square kilometres of mangrove forest which can store up to 1,200 tonnes of carbon per hectare. Re-forestation is a key battle ground to reduce carbon, a fight Pimalai is leading on the Thai island of Koh Lanta
KOH LANTA, THAILAND: Pimalai Resort & Spa is helping to ensure a sustainable future for the idyllic southern Thai island of Koh Lanta – and making a contribution to the entire planet – by embarking on a series of environmental and social activities that will remove carbon from the atmosphere, allow native ecosystems to thrive, and empower local communities for generations to come.
To keep the global temperature to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius, which scientists say is crucial to preventing the worst impacts of climate change, it is not only essential to reduce carbon emissions; it is also necessary to remove and store some of the carbon that is already in the atmosphere. This can be achieved through reforestation and forest management, and Pimalai is actively involved in driving many of these vital projects.
The island of Koh Lanta Yai, in Thailand’s Krabi province, has a total area of 8,100 hectares, and almost a quarter (1,900 hectares) of this is designated as national park, including vast swathes of jungle which can store on average 200 tonnes of carbon per hectare. Moreover, the island is home to almost 300 hectares of mangrove forest, which can store up to 1,200 tonnes of carbon per hectare, making it a powerful ally in the battle against climate change.
This means that, in total, Koh Lanta’s native forests have the capacity to capture and store more than 770,000 tonnes of CO2, while also providing a home to the many diverse species of fauna that reside in them. To ensure that these important biospheres are protected, Pimalai is cooperating with the local government, businesses and residents on a series of initiatives that will protect and preserve these precious ecosystems.
(left) Pimalai undertakes regular beach cleaning activities
(right) The resort supported a rice growing project on Koh Lanta Noi
On 12th July, the team at Pimalai joined forces with members of the island community for a reforestation project, which planted a total of 150 trees in the Klong Chak area of Koh Lanta. Then on 27th July, the resort was involved in a beach cleaning exercise and the release of hermit crabs on the shore at Lam Tanode National Park. Most recently on 12th August, Pimalai visited the village of Langsord on Koh Lanta Noi to help establish a rice cultivation cooperative, which will allow villagers to earn extra income.
These are just the latest in an ongoing series of environmental and social initiatives from Pimalai. As part of its day-to-day operations, the resort has adopted a zero-food waste policy, has removed all single-use plastics, and undertakes extensive recycling. These efforts will help Pimalai on its journey towards becoming carbon neutral in the coming years. The resort also offers internships for Thai students, with the possibility of future employment. It is little wonder that Pimalai was selected to join Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s (SLH) Considerate Collection, an exclusive portfolio of highly responsible and eco-sensitive five-star hotels.
Pimalai joined forces with the local community to plant 150 trees on Koh Lanta in July 2023, as part of its support of reforestation efforts
“The climate crisis will affect everybody on Earth, so we all have to accept responsibility and take steps to reduce its impact. At Pimalai, we are fully committed to preserving our natural, local ecosystems. By helping to maintain healthy forests, including mangroves, we can remove carbon from the atmosphere and preserve the island – and the planet – for many generations to come,” said Pimalai’s owner and director, Charintip Tiyaphorn.
For more information and reservations, please email reservation@pimalai.com, call +66 (0) 2 320 5500 or visit pimalai.com.
